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As Memorial Day weekend approaches, boaters plan for one of the busiest days on the water with the usual cookouts, rendezvous and aquatic activities. If you’re cruising the coast and want to mix things up with something different, waterfront cities from New England to Florida offer tons of fun activities to kick off the season.
Featuring everything from music and arts festivals to cruises and traditional patriotic tributes, check out the following events happening this holiday weekend.
Boston, MA, May 23 – 25
Located at the Harvard Athletic Complex, this music festival hosts a star-studded lineup featuring Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Fall Out Boy, Cage the Elephant, Vampire Weekend, Dave Matthews Band and more.
Where to Dock Nearby: Boston Yacht Haven Inn & Marina, Fan Pier Marina
Downeast Spring Birding Festival
Trescott, ME, May 23 – 26
Cobscook Institute hosts four days of guided hikes, boat tours and presentations led by local guides. Bask in Maine’s natural beauty and embark on a birdwatching experience during primetime spring migration and breeding season.
Where to Dock Nearby: Town of Lubec Marina on Johnson Street (daily 2-hour tie up or moorings), Eastport Breakwater/City Dock (seasonal/daily dockage)
Battle of Chelsea Creek 250th Anniversary Celebrations
Chelsea, MA, May 24
Explore the SSV Ernestina-Morrissey schooner and the Governor Bellingham-Cary House Museum open house or take a 90-minute guided boat tour with Boston Harbor Now through Mill Creek and Boston Bay.
Where to Dock Nearby: Boston Yacht Haven Inn & Marina
Boston, MA, May 26
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, hosts an open house this Memorial Day with special exhibitions, music, artmaking and more. Free admission offered to Massachusetts residents!
Where to Dock Nearby: Boston Yacht Haven Inn & Marina, Fan Pier Marina
Chestertown Tea Party Festival
Chestertown, MD, May 23 – 25
The revolutionary event kicks off with a Block Party at Wilmer Park on Friday, followed by a weekend of events, entertainment, education and family fun all across historic Chestertown.
Where to Dock Nearby: Chestertown Marina
Memorial Day Weekend Cruise to Rock Hall
Rock Hall, MD, May 23 – 26
Join Herrington Bay Yacht Club for a beautiful Chesapeake Bay cruise to Rock Hall Landing to dock, dine and explore the local area with fellow cruisers. Stay overnight at the marina or at Mariner’s Motel.
Where to Dock Nearby: Rock Hall Landing Marina, Haven Harbour Marina Resorts
George W. Owings, III Stars & Stripes Festival
Chesapeake Beach, MD, May 24
Honor the fallen with local officials and guest speakers with this annual ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.
Where to Dock Nearby: Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort
Baltimore, MD, May 24 – 25
Baltimore’s beloved art festival moves to Memorial Day weekend this year, lining the city with vendors and immersive public art. Support local artisans, artists, vendors and live performances.
Where to Dock Nearby: Inner Harbor Marina
Washington, DC, May 23 – 25
This 37th annual parade of patriotic motorcyclists takes place in the heart of the nation’s capital. Activities kick off with “The Blessing of the Bikes” on Friday, followed by a weekend of events and the final “Ride Day” on Sunday.
Where to Dock Nearby: The Wharf Marina, The Yards Marina
Patriotic Festival Country Weekend
Norfolk, VA, May 23 – 25
Head to Norfolk Scope Arena complex for a country weekend featuring performances from Old Dominion, Riley Green and Jordan Davis.
Where to Dock Nearby: Tidewater Yacht Marina
Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Summer
Virginia Beach, VA, May 23 – 25
Enjoy free concerts from local bands at 17th, 24th and 31st Street Parks and join the Heroes’ Walk beginning at 16th Street.
Where to Dock Nearby: The Marina at Marina Shores
Washington, DC, May 26
Join the nation’s ultimate Memorial Day celebration happening in the heart of all the action along Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC. Music performances start at 1:00 p.m., followed by the parade at 2:00 p.m.
Where to Dock Nearby: The Wharf Marina, The Yards Marina
Orange Beach, AL, May 21 – 25
Mobile Big Game Fishing Club’s annual tournament takes place at Orange Beach Marina along Alabama’s Gulf Shores.
Where to Dock Nearby: Orange Beach Marina, The Wharf Marina Alabama
Wilmington, NC, May 24 – 25
The Thalian Association Community Arts Theatre presents this 29th annual arts festival with exhibitions and events held at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center.
Where to Dock Nearby: Wilmington Marine Center
Charleston, SC, May 26
The Charleston Concert Band and Columbia Community Band will grace the stage on Memorial Day for a free patriotic concert at Hampton Park.
Where to Dock Nearby: Safe Harbor Charleston City
St. Simons Island, GA, May 26
The St. Simons Rotary Club hosts this traditional observance and tribute at Neptune Park on Memorial Day featuring patriotic music from St. Simons Casino bandstand.
Where to Dock Nearby: Brunswick Landing Marina, Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles
Jacksonville, FL, May 22 – 25
Head to Tailgaters Parking in the heart of Jacksonville’s Sports & Entertainment District for this completely free music festival featuring performances from award-winning jazz artists.
Where to Dock Nearby: Windward Sadler Point Marina
Palatka, FL, May 23 – 25
Just west of St. Augustine, head to Palatka’s downtown waterfront for a weekend of carnival rides, live music, arts and crafts and events including a seafood cook-off and military tributes.
Where to Dock Nearby: Boathouse Marina
Memorial 4-Day Weekend at Sunset Walk
Kissimmee, FL, May 23 – 26
The Promenade at Sunset Walk hosts four days of fun featuring bands, DJs, street performers and vendors, plus a car show and artisan market.
Where to Dock Nearby: Big Toho Marina
Memorial Day Weekend Craft Festival
Delray Beach, FL, May 24
Explore the Delray Beach artist community at this 27th annual craft fair taking place on NE 4th Avenue. Shop artisan works, handmade wares and a Green Market. The show starts in the heart of downtown and extends two blocks north to NE 2nd Street.
Where to Dock Nearby: City Marina
Miami, FL, May 24 – 25
Witness two days of amazing air shows above the gorgeous shores of Miami Beach between 11th and 15th Streets. Check out military displays, demonstrations and performances, plus concessions, exhibitions and a Kids Zone with a bounce house and rock-climbing walls.
Where to Dock Nearby: Sunset Harbour Yacht Club, Miami Beach Marina
As champagne is the universal drink for celebrations, mimosa variations are always a fun way to jazz up any seasonal event. Join Marinalife in raising a toast to 25 years and check out the following recipes that remind us of some of our favorite things — warm sunshine, sweet summertime and celebrating good times on the water with loved ones!
This sweet summertime treat can easily become your next party drink by just adding champagne!
4 oz. champagne or prosecco
½ oz. vanilla vodka
2 cups orange juice
1 cup half and half
1 teaspoon super-fine granulated sugar
Fill a shaker with ice and add orange juice, half and half, sugar and vanilla vodka and shake well. Strain ingredients into a champagne flute and slowly fill glass to the top with champagne or prosecco.
As this beloved breakfast beverage has many variations ranging from the Tiffany Mimosa to the Poinsettia, this aquatic green version is perfect for sweet-toothed seafarers.
4 oz. champagne or prosecco
1 oz. Blue Curaçao
1 oz. melon liqueur
2 oz. pineapple juice
Sugar and simple syrup for rim
Fill a shaker with ice and add Blue Curaçao, melon liqueur and pineapple juice and shake well. Strain ingredients into a champagne flute and slowly fill glass to the top with champagne or prosecco. For sugared rim, use empty champagne flute before filling contents into glass and fill one plate with simple syrup and one plate with rim. Circle rim of glass in simple syrup then immediately into sugar until it sticks.
North Bimini, Alice Town, Bahamas
When boaters arrive at a marina, they have a few simple needs: a safe place to dock, essential amenities and, most importantly, a friendly face that makes the destination feel like home. And that’s exactly what Readers’ Choice Awards winner Robbie Smith provides to his guests.
As a loyal member of the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina staff for 36 years and dockmaster for the past two decades, Smith is no stranger to knowing what it takes to deliver a top-notch experience. The local Bimini native grew up fishing and boating on the island, has a wealth of industry knowledge and is a jack of all trades — dockmaster, Class A master captain and former Bimini chief counselor, and he even plays baritone horn in a marching band.
Smith greets guests with a warm welcome and says the first thing he always tells boaters upon arrival is, “Before I go any further, my home is your home — so feel at home.”
Raised as an island boy, Smith always lived less than two minutes from the water and naturally found himself drawn to the boating lifestyle. He spent a few years living in the states to attend school but quickly realized city life wasn’t for him and moved back to Bimini to stay for good. From his childhood boating around the island with his uncles, to his time serving as chief counselor and working in the community, Smith is the perfect person to ask questions and recommendations for the best Bimini experience.
Contest voters had nothing but positive things to say about their time spent at the resort and friendly service provided by Smith. One voter says, “Reliable, friendly, experienced. He is a Bimini institution!” Another notes, “Robbie is the best. He goes out of his way to make everything go smoothly.”
Even in paradise, challenges can arise, but Smith is known to help resolve any situation. One voter especially praises how he always remains “cool, calm, helpful, polite and friendly.”
“Serving in the hospitality business, you’ve got to have a heart — you’ve got to be able to associate with all sorts of people coming from all over the world, so you have to be humble,” says Smith. “And you’re not gonna find every guest humble — you find some that cost ya to want to blow ya cap, but it’s best to always remain calm and humble.”
Smith says his cool, calm, collected demeanor and manners are due to how he was raised, especially crediting his grandmother. “Back then in those days I was taught if you’re passing anybody, you say, ‘good morning, good afternoon, good evening’ or ‘yes ma’am, how may I help?’ — so it’s just in me.”
Bimini Big Game’s boutique resort and marina has 75 slips for vessels up to 140 feet, luxury amenities, charming waterfront cottages and penthouses, and multiple on-site restaurants. Shop merchandise, sundries and provisions from the Outfitters & Liquor Shop where fishers can also purchase bait and ice. Exciting attractions include swimming with dolphins or diving with hammerheads and reef sharks at the on-site Neal Watson Bimini Scuba Center.
As Bimini is the fishing capital of The Bahamas, the marina is also known for hosting premier events for anglers such as billfish catch-and-release and the popular Slicker Wahoo Bimini Tournament. In 1979, the marina’s tournament broke the record for largest billfish caught in The Bahamas, weighing 1,060.5 pounds.
“You get to see boats from all parts of the U.S. come to fish the big tournaments — sometimes with 60, 70, 80 boats — and it really gives you that island-life feel and keeps you where you want to be,” says Smith. “Every day you have the fresh breeze because the island is so small, and you couldn’t ask for anything better than that.”
Big plans are ahead for Bimini Big Game as the marina is working to expand the property, add more rooms and extend the hotel out to the water, as well as enhance boater accommodations and add a new fuel dock. Smith looks forward to the future of the marina and says he hopes to retire there. “I’ve been here through all the changes — I almost know where every pipe is laid in the ground.”
Fort Myers Beach, FL
Dockmaster Dave O’Connor has worked at Pink Shell for 13 years and has seen it all — from a complete destruction from Category 5 Hurricane Ian in 2022 to a rebuild and revitalization that fully restored the marina back to its thriving destination. Despite these challenges, the staff quickly bounced back to prioritizing providing top-notch services to guests.
“I bought my first boat in 1994 and after that, I knew I had to work on the water,” says O’Connor.
When asked what makes Pink Shell’s staff so great, one Readers’ Choice Award voter says it’s because of the “personalized service during each visit.” Another common theme among voters notes how “friendly and helpful” the team is. O’Connor says the most important thing to keep in mind with guests is to “treat them the way you would like to be treated.”
“I believe we make them feel welcomed and appreciated from the very beginning,” he says.
Rick Atkinson joined the Pink Shell Marina team a little over a year ago and even though he is a newer member, he has already become a friendly face among guests. He’s worked in the industry for more than 30 years and became a U.S.C.G Captain in 2011.
“The most important thing is anticipating the guest’s needs,” says Atkinson. “You need dependable and friendly people to work in the marina.”
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Nantucket, MA
When boating with our Portuguese Water Dog, Charlie, people often ask if he loves being a boat pup. Our honest answer is always the same response: “He may not like all aspects of boat life, but we know he loves joining our adventure.”
Those who cruise with pets know the extra joy their company can bring — but it can also bring extra work. Consideration is needed when provisioning and planning to ensure your four- legged crew is safe and cared for while aboard. Pet-friendly destinations and marinas can make all the difference to your family’s cruising experience.
Nantucket Boat Basin marina, this year’s Reader’s Choice Awards winner of the Most Pet-Friendly Marina category, meets and exceeds on both of those accounts. This full-service Massachusetts marina is located on a gorgeous island along the historic Nantucket Harbor and offers cozy cottages, upscale amenities and top-notch concierge services.
Nantucket Island’s rich history, stunning beaches and picturesque town make it a favorite destination for boaters. Located on the western side of Nantucket Harbor, Nantucket Boat Basin marina is a true treat for those who cruise with pets. Boaters will find plenty of dog-friendly restaurants, patios, parks and miles of beaches along the island. With a few exceptions, most public beaches allow dogs between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., April through October. The marina boasts an animal-friendly park at the base of Swains Wharf and is located near a beautiful beach where dogs can go for a swim.
After settling into a slip among the well-maintained docks, you will quickly discover why our readers consider Nantucket Boat Basin marina top dog when it comes to being pet friendly. This resort destination does more than just say, “pets are welcome,” they show it. Visitors are encouraged to bring Fido to the marina office to meet their four-legged crew and caring staff members will happily greet your canine companions with a gift and a treat.
Complimentary dog-friendly tennis balls and water bowls are available throughout your stay and all guests who arrive with furry friends receive pet goodie bags which include a leash, dog toy, treat, waste bag holder, information about the “All Paws on Deck Contest,” an annual photo contest crowning the cutest pet, and other fun items. The seasonal winner receives a free two-night stay at the marina for the following season. The contest welcomes all pets, and the staff has witnessed everything from dogs and cats to birds and snakes. One year they even crowned a pet pig named Pork Chop as a winner.
“Many guests have their pets with them because they’re part of the family and boating is a great opportunity to travel with pets,” says Christina Martin, managing director of operations at Nantucket Boat Basin. “People love their pets so much and do not want to choose between a vacation or staying home — this way both the guest and pet feel welcome. The island in general is very pet-friendly with many beaches, parks and walking paths, so the pets get to join in the fun outside the marina too.”
You and your travel-weary canine companion will appreciate stretching your legs on walks at the nearby animal-needs park. They do ask that owners keep pets leashed in accordance with Nantucket’s leash laws. The marina encourages owners to clean up after their pets by providing biodegradable scoops. Shop stylish pet gear at the on-site ships store, Boat Basin Authentic, and choose from everything from collars and leashes to tee-shirts featuring the Nantucket Marley dog.
In addition to many on-site amenities, Nantucket Boat Basin is close to the numerous outdoor eateries, parks and beaches along Nantucket Island. The marina hosts plenty of outdoor events where pet guests are encouraged to attend such as Touch a Boat Day, part of National Boating Week in June, and weekly wine and cheese guest receptions through July and August.
When planning a cruise to your favorite dog-friendly destination, don’t forget to pack the following necessities:
• Life Jacket with Handle — No matter the level of swimmer your canine crew may be, a life jacket with a sturdy handle will make retrieving or assisting much easier when they jump overboard — whether it’s on purpose or by accident. Top choices: Outward Hound Granby Splash, Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog Life Jacket, Hurtta Life Savior ECO
• Water Bottles — Consider a water bottle that is easy to use while underway or while on walks and durable in any environment. Top choices: PupFlask, Springer Travel Dog Bottle, Highwave AutoDogMug
• First-Aid — Life happens, even for your four-legged crew. A well-stocked, pet-friendly first-aid kit will give you peace of mind and ensure your trip is not cut short by a minor injury. Top choices: ARCA Pet First Aid Kit, Adventure Medical Kits, URVIVAL Pet First Aid Kit
• Floating Toys — An engaged dog is a happy dog. Bring along toys that keep their interest and are easily retrievable in the water for you. Top choices: Fabdog, Nerf Dog, Ruff Dawg Indestructible Ball • Dog Raft — When your dog loves to be with you in the water but they are senior or a poor swimmer, a safe raft can add to their enjoyment of boating. Top choices: SwimWays Paddle Paws Dog Pool Float, Lazy Dog Loungers
• Dog Ramps — Whether you have a big dog who loves to jump or a small dog with little legs, ramps help ensure the safest method to reduce slippery situations when getting in and out of the water. Top choices: Coziwow Inflatable Pool Dog Ramp, Solstice Watersports Inflatable Pup Planks
The Shanty Beach Bar at Tolchester Marina
Chestertown, MD
When it comes to an ideal summer getaway, boaters yearn for a beachside retreat laden with tempting summer spirits, mouthwatering munchies and top-notch live entertainment. This year’s winner of the Best Entertainment category, Shanty Beach Bar at Tolchester Marina, offers all that and more. Situated in a quaint Chesapeake Bay town along Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the marina is conveniently located at Buoy 21, just 20 miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and 30 miles south of the C&D Canal.
Shanty owner Cathy Bramble says some of their transients “have been coming to Tolchester for 30 years or more, and they consider themselves part of the family.” Making strangers feel welcome is not new to the area. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of Baltimoreans traveled by steamboat to the amusement park at Tolchester Beach Resort to ride the carousel, picnic in the shaded pavilions and wade along the sandy beach.
Today, savvy boaters seeking a laid-back weekend escape travel from all around the bay to dock in a protected slip at full-service Tolchester Marina and head straight for the big red umbrellas at The Shanty Beach Bar for a snack and a cool beverage. Visitors can still splash around on that same large, unspoiled sandy beach.
The Shanty has a friendly, hang-loose atmosphere and is staffed with the same friendly folks from the previous season, as is most of the entire Tolchester facility. The familiar-faced bartender remembers your favorite drink from the innocent-seeming Mudslides which flow down way too easily to the delightfully delicious Orange Crushes. If you just want a simple cold beer, they will probably remember that too.
The sounds of live music ride the Chesapeake Bay breeze on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. It is not uncommon for almost a hundred boats to drop anchor off the Tolchester Beach to hear the live music. Touring regional and local acts take to the bandstand to offer a variety of musical genres, with southern and classic rock bands among the many favorites. “There’s something for everyone in an atmosphere that all can enjoy,” says Bramble.
In addition to the afternoon and evening jam sessions, there’s a patio on the hill perfect for viewing passing ships and taking in the spectacular sunsets rivaling those of Key West. The marina boasts over 250 slips with fixed, floating and covered options. Boaters can enjoy amenities from newly renovated private bathhouses, a fitness center, fuel dock, picnic area and waterfront saltwater pool. Tolchester’s seasonal Channel Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, has earned a long-standing local reputation for having the best crab cakes on the Bay!
Hilton Head Island, SC
Trailing closely behind Tolchester, our honorable mention for this category is Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, located just off the ICW in the heart of Hilton Head. Neighboring the Palmetto Dunes oceanfront resort, this is a hot spot for dining, shopping and entertainment, as well as local arts, family activities, festivals and live music from the island’s favorite bands. Catch crowd pleasers such as Deas-Guyz, performing an entertaining mix of old Motown, R&B, pop, reggae and various genres of dance beats.
Pet-friendly outdoor concert series are a lively attraction at this resort destination. Dance the night away to live music on select Thursdays during the spring and fall, held at two participating Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina restaurants.
Shelter Cove also hosts HarbourFest, a weekly Tuesday-night summer celebration featuring live music, family-friendly entertainment and fireworks sure to elicit the familiar appreciative “oohhs” and aahhhs” from spectators.
Tiki 52 Bar & Grill at Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
Bright teal, orange and pink umbrellas, a huge waterfront beach, woven tiki huts, tropical drinks and genuine conch dishes ... it must be the Caribbean. Or you’ve docked at Tiki 52, the perfect little hidden gem directly on the Intracoastal Waterway with a breathtaking view of Jupiter Island.
Blue water, calm breezes and whispering palms provide a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere even on busy Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. There is live music, not only on weekends but also on most weekdays. In addition to music, there are game nights featuring trivia, Family Feud and more.
The food exceeds expectations of a beachside bar. Nicholas A. Mastroianni III, one of Tiki’s owners, talks about “keeping things authentic” by offering “traditional recipes made by Bahamian chefs.” Several reviewers have mentioned the conch dishes — chowder, salad or fritters — as the best they’ve ever eaten. Other reasonably priced items include seafood, burgers, tacos, bowls and handhelds, preferably topped off with dessert such as rum cake or key lime pie. They will also cook your day’s catch!
The drink menu is equally ambitious with a couple of “Bucket” items sure to add some zest to the “Think ’n Drink” or Family Feud game nights. Whole Lotta’ Rum Bucket has spiced, white and coconut rums blended with orange, pineapple and lime juices, plus coconut cream. The Shark Attack Bucket features E11even Vodka, Blue Curaçao, lime and pineapple juices with coconut and club soda. Word of caution: bring a friend to share your bucket with!
Other options include Bad Medicine, a mix of whiskey, lemon juice and honey, which offers the cause and the cure in the same glass! By far the most popular mixed drink is the basic margarita made on-site with all fresh ingredients, called the Channel Marker Rita.
Tiki 52 has upscale food and drink in an intentionally casual setting which Mastroianni says is “all part of keeping things real.”
Stumpy’s Lakeside Grill at Lake Granbury Marina
Granbury, TX
At Stumpy’s you’re always a few steps away from a “hello” and a handshake. Newcomers ask, “What’s good here?” The answer is everything from the bottomless chips and salsa, the fried catfish and the unparalleled fish tacos, plus the goblet-size margaritas and Bloody Marys. Or combine drink and dessert in a Cinnamon Roll: a cinnamon spice fireball, Kahlua and creamy RumChata topped with whipped cream!
Trader’s Dock Bar at Champlin’s Marina & Resort
Block Island, RI
Overlooking Block Island’s Great Salt Pond, the multilevel Dock Bar is the perfect spot to unwind and watch the sunset slip into the water while sipping fun cocktails such as the memorable Espresso Martini and crowd-pleasing Mudslide. Offering daily entertainment as well as quick food options from on-site food outlets, The Dock Bar is the place to be for locals and travelers alike as it embodies the laid-back yet lively energy of iconic Block Island.
The Green Parrot Bar & Grill at Bay Street Marina
Nassau, Bahamas
Authentic island fare such as lobster or stone crab, as well as the ubiquitous burger, is served in this sunny island atmosphere. For the adventurous, there is a five-liquor specialty drink called The Squawker that provides a clue as to what happens after just one.
The most famous of the Bahamian shipwrecks, Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas sank off Little Bahama Bank in 1656 carrying a double load of treasure. Heavy salvage over centuries brought up gems, gold, silver and remains of the Spanish galleon, all while stumbling upon other ships that went down. Yet only a small number of recorded shipwrecks have been found in The Bahamas. The search continues.
The story of its shipwrecks could describe the islands of The Bahamas themselves, well- explored yet brimming with novel possibilities. The stunning archipelago is an overall destination that opens like nesting dolls to a myriad of destinations. And while visitors to The Bahamas have climbed to more than nine million in recent years, you can still find experiences all your own, especially when you come by boat.
Recreational boaters, a fraction of those who visit overall, come for many reasons. At the top of the list is: Water, water and water. Marinalife readers repeatedly cite The Bahamian blue — turquoise, aqua and crystalline shallows dropping to deep, dark sea — when naming this their top destination.
“You have never seen such clear waters in your life,” says Dawn Bresnak, who has journeyed with her husband from Florida to The Bahamas at least 30 times on their 42-foot Sea Ray. “It’s an easy trip [to Bimini] from Fort Lauderdale or even Fort Pierce. We rarely see a soul.” She adds that they choose their crossing during complacent weather, usually in summer, and see whales, turtles, dolphins and stingrays along the way.
The majority of boaters originate from the U.S., followed by just about everywhere else in the world. They come for island experiences all along the spectrum — miles-long solo beach walks, gambling resorts and high-flying amusements, world-class fishing, snorkeling and diving in a breathtaking underwater world, hidden coves, international cuisine, watersports fast and slow, and so much more.
Peter Maury, president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas, manages Bay Street Marina in Nassau, which accommodates everything from 40-footers to superyachts. He says the best way to make a choice among the 60 marinas spread throughout the islands is by the type of location you desire.
Want a casino at your fingertips? Head to the renowned facilities of Paradise Island and Nassau. Something quieter? Make your home base at one of the many Out Islands. Enjoy the colonial streets and wreck diving of the Abacos or the swimming pigs and secluded beaches of The Exumas. The Berry Islands, Bimini, the Ragged Island chain and Long Island are just some of your options, and no matter where you dock, the whole of The Bahamas is within reach.
“We are 16 island groups with 1,200 islands from a navigational standpoint. There are a lot of places to see. You can see all the different islands and chains without ever leaving the country,” says Maury. “Places like Crooked Island. Behind there, it’s 15 feet of water. You can weather a storm in there.”
Bresnak and her husband keep a 22-footer at a condo on Bimini for exploring. They like to visit the Abacos and Exumas as well as cays only accessible by boat like Gun Cay, a nine-mile jaunt from Bimini. “You can go and pet the stingrays at Honeymoon Harbour. They come right up. They want to be petted,” she says.
Ocean tongues its way between the Great Bahama Bank at New Providence Channel creating the Tongue of the Ocean where creatures as large as whales forage in protected waters. Wooded areas of Andros Island surround ancient blue holes, including one of the largest in the world. Lucayan National Park protects one of the world’s longest charted underwater cave systems, as well as mangroves, creeks and coral reefs.
Ashore, friendly people punctuate a unique culture. “It takes you back to another time and place, with little hidden coves to discover and genuine people to meet,” writes Bill Winchell, while another reader sums it up: “Beautiful beaches, wonderful people, great food and music.”
Eat conch and spiny lobster, drink Bahamian Kalik beer, dance to the rhythm of goombay, and visit museums to learn about the history of Lucayan Indians, colonialism, piracy or the costumes of the Junkanoo carnival. Mariners enjoy The Bahamas Maritime Museum, inspired by the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas. Opened in 2022 in Freeport, the museum details island history and shows off the glittering bounty of The Bahamas’ legendary shipwreck.
Navigating throughout The Bahamas and on the passage requires preparation. There are shifting sand shoals, rocky bars and reefs, currents, unmaintained or absent aids to navigation, a Gulf Stream crossing and more potential hazards. Know your weather, do your homework, have reliable guidebooks and charts, and be alert.
When entering The Bahamas, you are required to check in and pay fees that depend on the size of your boat and how long you plan to stay. If you bring a pet, you’ll need a pet permit.
The Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) is a trusted resource for boaters navigating the beautiful waters of The Bahamas. Representing over 60 marinas across the islands, ABM is dedicated to promoting and protecting The Bahamas as a premier yachting and boating destination. The organization also plays a key role in advocating for sustainable marine practices and fostering collaboration between marinas, government agencies and the boating community. ABM provides comprehensive guidance on marina options, navigation tips and entry requirements. Visit bahamasmarinas.com.
You voted, Marinalife tallied, and now here are the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards winners. These respected recognitions took a new twist with first-time categories to commemorate Marinalife’s 25th anniversary. Here are the first-place finishers and why you should plot a course for these marinas.
Haden Lake, ID
A family-friendly vibe and keen sense of community abound at this picturesque marina set on one of the most popular lakes in Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene region and less than an hour’s drive from Spokane, Washington. What started as a simple seasonal spot in 1956 became a full-service marina. There’s everything from modern docks and fuel to a great little ship’s store and even climate-controlled winter boat storage.
The wet docks cater to vessels up to 32-foot LOA, including runabouts, pontoons, and ski and wake boats, and are the only public moorage on this lake with its 40 miles of timber-lined shore. The picturesque Boathouse Restaurant and Bar is also conveniently located on-site. In the sunset glow of a day spent tubing, wakeboarding, fishing or relaxing in a quiet cove, this spirit of society especially shines.
“We often hear how much people love the friendly atmosphere, the clean, easy-to-use docks, and having everything they need right here,” says Lindsey Olmstead, general manager. “One boater told us they come back every year because of how easy and enjoyable we make everything. Whether it’s our team helping tie up boats with a smile, a perfectly cooked meal, or a lively night of music and drinks, people love the full experience they get here.”
New for the 2025 off-season, the marina has added additional winterization and detailing options. In-season, from April 1 to September 30, three new bathrooms will serve marina tenants and restaurant patrons better. Event offerings continue to expand with boater’s safety classes, wine tastings, complimentary on-water driving and docking lessons, and fun educational courses like bonsai and sushi making.
For those headed to Hayden Lake Marina, Olmstead offers an insider’s scoop: “Start early to catch the calm water — it’s perfect for skiing or paddleboarding. Check out Sportsman’s Park for a fantastic picnic spot, head to Windy Bay for quiet swim time, or raft up at the Sandbar, the go-to spot to grill burgers onboard, toss a frisbee or football, or enjoy the sunshine. Ask a dockhand where you can see Bing Crosby’s summer home, which is still occupied by his family three generations later. Whatever you choose, this is the kind of place where everyone has fun.”
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
Fort Myers, FL
Pay for overnight dockage and receive a host of complimentary resort-style comforts and conveniences at this 41-slip beachfront facility on Fort Myers, Florida’s, Estero Island. Plus, the number of amenities available to boaters has grown after the resort marina’s 14-month rebuild following Hurricane Ian in 2022. For starters, there’s a private beach where all guests can get gratis use of beach chairs and umbrellas, free use of kayaks and paddleboards, and access to three pools with two new poststorm-installed hot tubs that have been a huge hit.
Marina guests don’t pay a resort fee and all guests receive a free breakfast. It’s a real-deal buffet meal with custom-made omelets, breakfast meats, fresh fruit and more. The resort, restaurant, facilities and beach are right across the street from the marina. A wristband received at marina check-in is the key to all.
“What’s great about our ownership is that they always look for ways to improve,” says Dave O’Connor, dockmaster. “For example, the installation of the hot tubs was at the guest’s request. Also, extending the free breakfast buffet to all our guests was easy. We give guests a wristband when they check in. It’s their identification and their key to getting through some of the access gates. The wristbands also now let marina guests access the pool towel machines.”
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina’s location makes several other amenities available beyond the property. For example, there are free beach trams and trolleys that only cost 75 cents per ride or $2 for an all-day pass accessing the “Times Square” area with its shops, restaurants and entertainment. This has been a boon to the snowbirds, loopers and local guests who visit year-round. The resort rents four- and six-seat golf carts for those who want more autonomy.
“Some guests tell us they come for the beaches,” says O’Connor. “Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva are all right here as the main attractions. Others say they love our pools or the fact we have floating docks. It’s not one specific thing they come here for. It’s everything we offer that makes it all work.”
Cataumet, MA
It’s “big yard” service capabilities without the “big company” mentality that makes Cape Cod’s largest full-service marina, boatyard and cruising center on Buzzard’s Bay a boater’s paradise. Family owned and operated for over 90 years, Kingman’s 30-plus staff run a modern boatyard services department that handles a wide range of electrical and mechanical work, plus full restoration capabilities. There are also factory-trained gas, diesel, outboard and I/O mechanics, and technicians experienced in repairing and refitting fiberglass, composite, and wood sail and powerboats. A complete rigging loft is on-site, too.
“Each of our technicians are encouraged to talk with customers and empowered to own and resolve issues on a one-to-one basis. While management has the resources to stand behind all work, the yard believes in providing services for the boater and not just to the boat,” says Scott Zeien, owner and president, whose family purchased the marina from the Kingmans in 2000, which has transformed the then-aging facility into a first-class, customer-focused yard without losing its New England charm.
The marina’s 235 slips and 130 moorings are available for daily or seasonal rental for vessels up to 120-foot LOA. Amenities include restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, gas and diesel, shops, the popular Chart Room restaurant, plus in-season activities like group cruises, parties, game nights, educational seminars, and live music events. Kingman Yacht Center is undoubtedly a one-stop shop — there’s no reason to leave except to go cruising. However, that’s a good justification since the Red Brook Harbor- based center offers easy access to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport and Long Island, as well as Provincetown, Boston and points north.
When asked why guests don’t move their boat to a different marina next season, Zeien says, “Our boaters are likely to respond: ‘Why would I leave? All my boating friends are here.’”
Richmond Hill, GA
Nestled within the private, gated Waterways residential community just south of Savannah, Georgia, it’s easy to see why this public marina, with its natural beauty and private country club feel, was voted the nation’s best dry stack storage facility. Despite its often-unknown location set back in a private neighborhood, the marina warmly welcomes the public, offering free day passes through the neighborhood’s security that grants access to Redbird Creek and some of the region’s most stunning waterways, from nearby islands to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
“Our location truly sets us apart,” says Shane Strause, chief operating officer. “From the scenic creeks and islands to the vibrant sandbars, we offer an unmatched marina and dry storage experience.”
The 200-boat dry stack facility accommodates vessels up to 40-foot LOA and is operated with state-of-the-art equipment, including a Hoist Neptune 25,000-pound forklift. Marina members can request their boats to be fueled, stocked and prepared before arrival, ensuring they can hit the water effortlessly. It’s all about creating a luxurious, full-service experience for its customers. Safety and security are top priorities at Waterways Marina, with a gated entrance, fire suppression systems and 24-hour video surveillance providing peace of mind for boat owners.
“Our members enjoy the convenience and personalized service we provide,” Strause adds. “Our team ensures every boat is ready for the next adventure, whether it’s a fishing trip, a cruise or a day at the sandbars.”
Big developments are on the horizon for Waterways Marina. In partnership with Custom Marine, the facility is transforming into a one-stop destination for all boating needs, from purchasing and maintenance to upgrades. What’s more, the marina will begin construction on its freshwater lagoon wet slips this year, and the Hoist Neptune forklift will also provide service to transfer members’ boats to Redbird Creek. Additionally, the marina will introduce Hurricane plans, offering land storage and storm protection for boaters seeking extra security during extreme weather events.
For over a decade, Marinalife hosted the annual Best Marina Contest to honor best in service at top transient destinations. In celebration of Marinalife’s 25th anniversary, we revamped with a newly expanded Readers’ Choice Awards to highlight categories ranging from best marina facilities and services to favorite experiences.
What makes a perfect marina? Only true, dedicated boaters know. That’s why we asked our readers to highlight what they love most about their favorite spots. If you take all the Readers’ Choice Awards categories and combine them into one — from best marina services and facilities and friendliest staff to best entertainment and destination — you get the Best Marina Overall category.
A unanimous poll says to head southeast this season as our first and second place winners are both located along the Atlantic coast in Georgia and South Carolina. Let’s raise a toast to this year’s best marinas!
Brunswick, GA
The city of Brunswick may be small — but the spirit of this boating community feels larger than life. The spacious 387-slip facility is nestled on the East River along Georgia’s gorgeous Golden Isles, just steps away from the heart of downtown Brunswick. The marina welcomes boaters with southern hospitality, friendly concierge services and amenities including lounges, a fitness center, propane grills on every dock and free happy hours.
In addition to 22 open acres at the property, the pet-friendly marina offers a newly built half-acre dog park for your furry friends to run free. Kids can also run free at the playground and enjoy family-friendly activities on-site. Free bike rentals are available for easy access to downtown or exploring the region’s golden nature scene.
This historic town and family-owned marina had a lot to celebrate in 2024 with two milestones, including Brunswick Landing Marina’s 30th anniversary, as well as the centennial of the F.J. Torras Causeway, a major route connecting Brunswick to St. Simons Island. Both the causeway and Brunswick Landing Marina are local Torras family legacies as F.J. Torras is the great-great-grandfather of current marina owner Michael Torras. Last summer, the Golden Isles community commemorated the causeway’s 100th anniversary with a day of live music, vendors and themed celebrations.
Since 1994, the Torras family has grown the marina into a top-notch facility and strong boating community ranging from local liveaboards to visitors from all over the world. The family built what began as an old run-down manufacturing plant and small marina with just five slips to what is now Brunswick Landing’s thriving destination.
“It is remarkable when you look at what’s been accomplished over that 30 years and you look at the fact that it started out as one dock and now it’s a massive area,” says President Daren Pietsch. “There’s continuity because this is a very successful marina and a big part of downtown, but we’ve also created an environment where people want to work, so it’s certainly the family that makes the difference in allowing us to run it like a family business.”
It’s no wonder Brunswick boasts the popular vote — the marina is known for its lively cruiser camaraderie and has prospered into a social hub with free weekly happy hours and events. Some events are even coordinated by the marina guests, such as last year’s “Summer Olympics,” where boaters competed in fun, creative games. The community is so dedicated that a few marina members participated in the “Decades” segment of the city’s Causeway Centennial Celebration in which they represented the 1980s with a choreographed dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” dressing the part and executing a hilarious yet fabulous performance at the event.
“At Brunswick Landing Marina, we don’t view our customers as just clients — we see them as extended family,” says marina manager Michael Torras. “Whether they’re here for a short visit or a longer stay, they always seem to find their way back to us. Our marina team goes above and beyond by not only meeting our customers’ needs but also creating a welcoming, social environment where everyone feels at home. Putting our customers first is at the heart of everything we do.”
The marina continues to grow with several major projects in the works, including a new dry stack storage facility, a complete replacement of the main dock and addition of 1,000 linear feet of wet storage. They also plan to work with the city to build a public boardwalk with retail, restaurants and mixed-use space for offices and condos.
“These expansions are essential to addressing the high demand we’ve experienced,” says Torras. “We can’t wait to provide even more space and amenities for our boating community.”
Check out the marina’s extensive calendar of activities ranging from “Yoga Classes in the Yacht Club” to “Cigars Under the Stars,” as well as exciting fall events, including oyster festivals and the annual PorchFest.
Hilton Head Island, SC
There must be something about the southern charm that keeps boaters coming back for more. Just 100 miles north of Brunswick, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is a premier destination in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Secluded in a hidden grove, the resort- style marina offers 178 slips for vessels up to 150 feet along a lively promenade with seven waterfront restaurants, more than 15 shops, live music and family-friendly attractions.
The marina provides complimentary bikes for boaters to enjoy the island’s natural beauty along stunning paths lined with Spanish moss and oak trees. Guests can access free shuttle services to the neighboring Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort and beach area, plus amenities such as laundry, kayak dry storage, maintenance and on-site fuel services.
“It’s an incredible honor to place again in a nationwide contest among so many outstanding marina destinations,” says Harbourmaster Mason Lemon. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the unique experience we strive to provide for every boater who visits.”
Shelter Cove is home to the iconic Neptune Statue, a 12-foot-tall King Neptune replica and largest working sundial statue in the world. Every spring and fall, visitors gather around the statue for Music & Taste on the Harbour, featuring local bands, as well as food and drink specials from two participating Shelter Cove Harbour restaurants. Recently named Best Annual Event or Festival by The Post and Courier, HarbourFest, Hilton Head Island’s largest multi-week summertime event features live music, kids activities and fireworks on select Tuesday evenings and July 4th.
The island boasts 12 miles of pristine beaches and long stretches of scenic nature trails and public pathways. The region is known as a top golf destination in the U.S. with more than 30 courses, as well as a haven for adventurers who love to kayak, paddleboard, fish, bike, and explore the local wildlife and ecosystem.
“What draws so many people here is the unique blend of natural beauty, warm hospitality and a mild, inviting climate,” says Lemon. “It’s not uncommon for our boaters to extend their reservations simply because they fall in love with everything this area has to offer.”
Kennebunkport, ME
“For over 50 years, Chicks Marina has been the name synonymous with the Kennebunk River” — this marina’s catchphrase holds true when it comes to popularity of the quaint, family-owned destination. Nestled along the southern coast of Maine, the 50-slip facility offers seasonal and transient dockage, heated winter storage, custom boat services and amenities such as shuttle services, a ships store, and gas and diesel fuel dock.
Lounge on the sundeck and patio or cook out on the gas grills in the picnic area for a perfect summer retreat. Kennebunkport is a quiet escape from the busy city and known for beautiful beaches and a tranquil environment. The marina is just a short walk from Dock Square in the heart of the historic seaport community where visitors can shop boutiques, explore art galleries and feast on fresh Maine lobster at local restaurants.
“Chicks Marina undertakes a project to maintain the facility annually, ensuring it remains safe and beautiful,” says Amy Gaynor, operations manager. “This year, the fuel tanks were replaced with new ones, an activity that typically occurs every 30 years.”
Gaynor says Chicks prides itself on offering top-notch facilities and providing the highest level of service. “The customer service at Chicks Marina is outstanding — we take pride in making your visit exceptional, and our entire team has a positive attitude and a passion for what they do which is reflected in our service.”
Baltimore, MD
Lighthouse Point’s newly redeveloped marina has prospered into a hot new destination along the Baltimore harbor. The slips boast 400 new hyper-modern floating docks with full-length finger piers that accommodate vessels 35 to 300 feet, and the east dock is constructed with an attenuator to quell wake and wave action and protect boats against chop.
“The way the marina is engineered, designed and constructed, it’s got a really long useful life, so it’s not something that’s going to deteriorate quickly,” says general manager Joel Schlossberg. “The new electrical pedestals are a great thing too and are much more sensitive to any kind of leakage — it eliminates shock hazards, reduces chance of boat fires — so, having the most up-to-date technology for the pedestals is great for marina and boater safety.”
Dock and dine on-site or at tons of local waterfront restaurants just steps away in the Canton neighborhood. Guest amenities include in-slip pump-out, laundry, pool access and convenient gate entry via smartphone. The marina is home port to Paddle Club Baltimore’s pontoon boat where groups can embark on fun social cruises around the harbor.
The property still has big projects in the works, including revamping the restaurant and remodeling the marina office, fitness center and boaters’ lounge. The marina’s iconic lighthouse will also get a fresh new look. Fun fact: The lighthouse at Lighthouse Point Marina was never actually a lighthouse — it’s an old 1800s licorice plant smokestack converted into a Chesapeake Bay-style lighthouse replica.
Orange Beach, AL
This vibrant destination is a true Gulf Coast gem. The marina is surrounded by a thriving district of shops, dining, lodging and attractions, such as The Wharf Amphitheater’s open-air venue. Visitors can enjoy everything from ice skating in the winter to strolling the boardwalks and taking a ride on The Wharf’s Ferris Wheel in the summer.
Located on Portage Creek nearly halfway between Mobile Bay and Pensacola Bay, boaters can easily access the marina from the Intracoastal Waterway. Perdido Pass on the Gulf of Mexico is just 12 miles away. The Wharf Marina offers 200 premium floating slips with all-new Bellingham Marine docks and the luxury boaters’ lounge provides access to laundry rooms and shower facilities. Guests love the convenience of high-speed fuel at the new Super Fuel Dock and shopping at The Wharf Store for nautical gear and trendy apparel.
Exciting water excursions include dolphin cruises and sailing tours aboard the 52-foot luxury sailing yacht, The Cetacean, and 40-foot pontoon boat, The Explorer. As Orange Beach is a premier sportfishing retreat, the marina hosts exciting events including The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show and the Blue Marlin Grand Championship fishing tournament. Be sure to catch annual holiday celebrations and witness the magic of SPECTRA Laser Light Experience shows with synchronized music and glowing palm trees along Main Street.
Racine, WI
Situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Reefpoint is the largest full-service marina in Wisconsin boasting 900+ slips. The resort-style atmosphere offers upscale amenities such as a fuel dock, ships store, outdoor heated pool, two hot tubs, lounge area with picnic tables and grills, and a cozy boaters’ lounge. Just minutes away, downtown Racine’s lakefront community is lined with Victorian and Italianate structures, boutiques, restaurants, pubs, museums and attractions along historic Main Street.
Take your boat to North Beach for a fun day on the water and then return for a relaxing evening by the marina’s fire pits. Guests can enjoy dining on-site at Reefpoint Brew House offering American dishes ranging from sandwiches and burgers to steaks and seafood. Convenient lodging is just steps away at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.
The marina is currently undergoing a $32 million revitalization with a complete redesign and new top-tier amenities. The transformation includes a new wide dock to accommodate larger yachts, complete with slip-side pump-out and upgraded power pedestals. Additional upgrades include a new high-speed fuel dock, renovated restrooms and floating party patios.
“The demo of the first phase has already been completed and the first phase of the new docks are set to install in spring,” says general manager Carrie Reid. “This project will take four years, with demo being completed on a quarter of the marina every off-season, and a quarter of the new dock system then installed in its place each spring.”
Elbow Cay, Abacos, Bahamas
Encompassing turquoise waters, blue skies and luxury, this resort marina is everything a cruiser could desire on their dream destination. Located on the west side of Hope Town Harbour next to the iconic Elbow Reef Lighthouse, the marina offers slips for vessels up to 125 feet and moorings for boats up to 45 feet.
Stay at a plush resort villa with waterfront views and find everything you need on-site from dining and provisions to shopping at The Boatique store. Boaters can enjoy relaxing by the marina’s pool and easy access to laundry, showers, freezers and fresh water. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily at Bridget’s Rum Bar & Restaurant, where guests can sip on specialty cocktails like the fruity Marina Punch or sweet Poolside Strawberry Lemonade.
Cruise your vessel around the fascinating caves, cays and beaches of the Abaco Islands to explore the region’s breathtaking topography or check out boat rentals from local companies such as Island Marine or Cat’s Paw. Don’t miss the annual Hope Town Music & Rum Festival featuring a star-studded lineup and local rum tastings!
These days, it’s an exciting sight to see more ladies involved in boating. Thanks to women-focused non-profits, clubs and education programs, female boaters have more access to resources and opportunities than ever before.
Not only are more ladies working in the field, but recent studies reveal women captains are also increasingly browsing the boating market. A report from Rightboat presents a significant rise in female visitors who search their website to buy boats. The site traffic reported an increase in the United States with just over 13% women searchers in 2017 rising to 24.67% in 2024. Rightboat also noted a spike in the fishing industry with a Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation report indicating female fishing participation hit a record high in 2023, making up 37% of anglers.
In honor of Women’s History Month this March, Marinalife celebrates organizations that empower women in the industry. Whether you’re a beginner sailor or expert boater or fisher, check out a few top organizations and programs across the coast.
National Women’s Sailing Association
Since 1990, this non-profit organization has fostered a mission to provide women with opportunities to enhance sailing skills and connect with fellow boaters. Membership includes access to exclusive educational content, offers for products and services, discounts on workshops and tickets to the annual Women’s Sailing Conference.
International Women’s Fishing Association
Established in 1955 as a club to promote women’s fishing, this association has grown into a prestigious organization with objectives to not only help women thrive in a male-dominated activity, but also support conservation and provide scholarships to marine science graduate students.
Women Making Waves — SaferBoater
SaferBoater’s nationwide community offers certified training schools and courses including women-only, on-the-water boating courses designed to foster a sense of camaraderie and support among participants. The Women Making Waves program locations include Charleston, SC, Bradenton, FL, and Long Beach, Dana Point and Marina Del Rey, CA.
Women on the Water — MarineMax
This women’s boating program offers small group seminars at MarineMax locations throughout the country. Courses are taught by U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains with sessions in both the classroom and on-the-water.
Women’s Sailing — Sailing Ships Maine
Portland, ME
This all-ladies sailing experience offers a three-day cruise along coastal Maine aboard the 36-foot sail training sloop Brightside. This hands-on program develops sailing skills and provides practice handling sails, rigging, piloting, managing the dinghy, learning safety procedures and more. 2025 trips are available June 20 – 22 and 27 – 29.
Women’s Sailing Clinic — Nantucket Community Sailing
Nantucket, MA
This clinic is designed to give women of all ages the opportunity to learn how to sail or brush up on skills. Clinics are offered on Tuesdays through the summer at the Jetties Sailing Center and the season runs June 23 – August 22.
Women’s Weekday Sailing — Tod’s Point Sailing School
Old Greenwich, CT
This is the perfect opportunity for women with children to take sailing classes on weekday mornings in early June while the kids are still in school. The hands-on courses take place aboard a double-handed sloop, and courses run June 9 – 12 and 16 – 19.
Women on the Water Long Island Sound
Connecticut and New York
This club is made up of around 400 women sailors from Connecticut and New York area yacht clubs to support women’s sailing education, social events, club regattas, networking and more. Check out the Women’s Ideal Regattas and other annual events.
Women on the Water — Downtown Sailing Center
Baltimore, MD
This non-profit sailing center on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor has been serving the community since 1994 with a focus on providing affordable programs to all water-lovers. Women on the Water offers two levels (beginner and racing) held the first and third Mondays from May – September.
Women at the Wheel — Annapolis School of Seamanship
Annapolis, MD
While most programs offer sailing lessons, this course provides the chance for women to confidently operate their own powerboat. A mix of classroom education and on-the-water training provides students with a Maryland Safe Boating certificate and skills such as knot and line handling, docking, chart navigation and more.
Women Making Waves — Chesapeake Boating Academy
Annapolis and Kent Narrows, MD
This three-hour Women Making Waves course taught by a female captain provides hands-on precision docking, open water education and more.
Women on the Water — Columbia Sailing Club
Lake Murray, SC
This seasonal sailing course is led by women instructors with education aboard a C420 sailboat. Classes are two hours and end with an optional social gathering.
Women on the Water — St. Augustine Sailing
St. Augustine, FL
Designed for women, by women, this membership program teaches sailing to all ages through workshops and social events. In addition, the St. Augustine Sailing school offers courses with female instructors.
Free Women’s Sailing Classes – Key West Sailing Center
Key West, FL
This sailing school offers free courses to both members and the public throughout the season. Free women’s sailing classes run Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with lessons for all levels from beginner to advanced.
Florida Women’s Sailing Association
Florida
Established in 1973, this association encourages education and fellowship, coordinates interclub racing and events, and offers benefits for member club opportunities across Florida.
Ladies, Let’s go Fishing!
Florida
Known as the “no yelling school of fishing,” this non-profit provides all levels of fishers with a comfortable and fun hands-on learning experience. Meetings, courses, tournaments and seminars are hosted throughout the year.
Women’s-Only Fast Track to Cruising Course — Offshore Sailing School
British Virgin Islands
This women’s only bareboat charter course starts with two days learning to sail on the Colgate 26 keelboat and then six days cruising a large monohull or catamaran. The season begins April 26.
South Florida Saltwater Weekend Seminar
Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!
Fort Lauderdale, FL, April 11 – 13
Women’s Sailing Conference 2025
Narragansett Sailing and Boating School
Warwick, RI, April 12
Keys Fishing Screamin’ Reels Tournament
Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!
Florida Keys, May 16 – 18
National Women's Sailing Association Conference 2025
National Women’s Sailing Association
St. Petersburg, FL, June 6 – 8
Tuna & Tiaras Ladies Tuna Tournament
at Ocean City Fishing Center
Ocean City, MD, June 13 – 14
Old Salt Ladies Teal Carpet Fishing Tournament
Old Salt Fishing Foundation
St. Petersburg, FL, June 19 – 21
Women’s Woodworking
at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
St. Michaels, MD, June 28 – 29
OCMC Franky Pettolina Heels & Reels Ladies Tournament
at Ocean City Marlin Club
Ocean City, MD, August 1 – 2
If you tried to connect with your cruising buddies in the year 2000 when Marinalife first started, the best way to round them up for a rendezvous would have been an old-fashioned phone call or using your VHF radio, hoping to get in touch.
Marinalife has been helping connect boaters and marinas for 25 years and with the rise of social media and mobile apps, the evolving digital world is significsntly improving the convenience of connection. We have developed many great partnerships over the years including the Young Cruisers' Association (YCA), a group of wanderlust water-lovers who teamed up to build a like-minded community and provide resources, connections and a lifelong journey unique from your average cruising club.
Since 2018, the tribe has grown from a few hundred cruisers scattered across oceans to nearly 15,000 members worldwide. We thought it would be fun to hear from YCA founder Brian Currier and a few members about how they use technology to help connect the boating community in 2025. In 2024, Currier and his team launched the new SeaPeople app which is designed for current boaters or anyone interested in boating culture to help them connect with fellow seafarers anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re at sea or grounded in port, the SeaPeople app connects you with worldwide cruisers to share the spirit of adventure, camaraderie and community. The app provides live connections that improve any trip with features such as weather updates, location services and the ability to hail nearby boaters.
“There’s always been a major problem in the industry and it’s something all cruisers have become accustomed to — regardless of where you are in the world, there’s no single, central tool to find your friends or club members on a map,” says Currier. “You meet amazing people who have an impact on your life, but it’s often short-lived as we lift sail to ports unknown. We decided it was time to bring the ‘boat card era’ to the digital world and help boaters connect.”
Currier says YCA prides itself on supporting a movement rather than a company and represents anyone who refuses to wait for retirement to chase their dream of living on the water. “For those who have really gone after it and already moved aboard their ship, we aim to fuel their fire for adventure and their need for community. For those on the fringe of selling their belongings and convincing their family they’re still sane, we’re the spark on those crunchy, dead leaves,” says Currier.
Marinalife caught up with a few of the YCA members and asked them about what drives their passion for life on the water. We love hearing their stories and how the boating community continues to expand and evolve with the use of new technologies.
1. What or who inspired you to want to live onboard?
Working in Hawaii’s dive industry gave me a deep love and respect for the ocean, but the idea of living onboard didn’t fully form until I crewed with Delos, Rick Moore, and met Riley and Elayna, an Australian couple from Sailing La Vagabonde. These incredible people showed me possibilities and sparked a dream that has since become my reality. Without their inspiration, I wouldn’t be where I am today leading expeditions on the high seas
2. What are the biggest changes/trends you have seen or experienced in the last few years as a liveaboard cruiser?
The shift is undeniable — more young adventurers are embracing the cruising lifestyle. Traditionally this was viewed as a pastime for the retired or wealthy but now with the rise of remote work, people are combining sailing with their careers. It’s inspiring to see a new generation redefine what it means to live and work at sea and chart their own courses in more ways than one. YCA shatters the stereotype that sailing is only for retirees, and the SeaPeople App has been a game-changer for us, connecting us to eager crew members from all over the world. It’s incredible to see so much talent and energy flowing into this community, fueling the future of cruising.
3. Tell us about one of your most challenging/crazy experiences while cruising.
Stormy nights and relentless waves are tough, but they’re nothing compared to leading a crew of 24 young sailors and content creators on two expedition vessels. Managing “boat- mances,” clashing personalities and complex logistics often feels like balancing on a tightrope during a hurricane. Yet, there’s magic in the madness — when everyone comes together, the team’s combined strength always pulls us through.
4. What are three tips for anyone considering transitioning to cruising as a liveaboard full-time?
1. Balance Land and Sea: Don’t let the boat feel like a cage — take time for land-based adventures. A change of scenery works wonders.
2. Stock Spare Parts: I’ve earned the title “King of Spare Parts” for a reason. Out here, being prepared is survival, so pack extras — especially water pumps.
3. Slow Down: Cruising isn’t a race. When we finally eased our pace, we discovered how much more rewarding the journey became.
5. What’s your ultimate cruising goal or dream destination?
Antarctica, without a doubt. Our expedition vessels were designed for cold climates and extreme adventures. I dream of navigating through icy fjords, encountering incredible wildlife, and experiencing the raw, unspoiled beauty of the southernmost continent. That’s the pinnacle of exploration in my eyes.
1. What or who inspired you to want to live onboard?
Greg was inspired by a Belgian sailor who sailed around the world in the ’80s with no budget or modern technology. That story sparked his dream of giving sailing a try. As for me, Julie, I didn’t know a thing about sailing until I met Greg. He inspired me, along with incredible women like Liz Clark and Laura Dekker, who’ve carved their own paths on the water. Deciding to live full-time on our boat might sound like a bit of a cliché, but we kept thinking: if not now, when? Life is unpredictable and we didn’t want to miss the chance to see the world and experience what living aboard is all about.
2. What are the biggest changes/trends you have seen or experienced in the last few years as a liveaboard cruiser?
One of the biggest shifts has been the rise of technology. Life aboard is now much more connected and convenient thanks to tools like Starlink for satellite communication, solar panels for power and water makers for self-sufficiency. Real-time weather updates and route-planning apps make cruising safer while remote work tools allow more people to sustain this lifestyle for the long haul.
3. Tell us about one of your most challenging/crazy experiences while cruising?
We sailed from Sardinia to Sicily and as we approached, we saw a massive storm brewing ahead. 100 miles from shore, the horizon lit up with flashes of lightning, like a giant curtain in the distance. Our course was set to take us straight into it. At that moment, we had to make a choice: alter our course and hope it was the right call or push through and hope for the best. Greg kept his cool and quickly decided to change our course by 90 degrees. We ended up catching just the edge of the storm and although it was intense, we made it through safely. In the end, everything turned out fine, but it was a moment we won’t forget.
4. How has your involvement with YCA helped you?
Our involvement with YCA has been such a rewarding experience. It’s given us a sense of belonging in a community of like-minded people who share our passion for sailing and adventure. Through YCA, we’ve met so many amazing cruisers from all over the world, forming friendships that feel like family. It’s reassuring to know we’re not alone, especially when navigating challenges or new places.
5. What role does technology play in your cruising lifestyle, and what tools or apps do you rely on most?
We use weather apps like Windy, WindFinder and PredictWind to track forecasts and adjust our plans if needed. Weather can change so fast at sea, so having reliable info is a must. We also rely on a few handy apps for daily life. DONIA helps us make sure we’re not anchored in Posidonia, which is very important here in the Mediterranean. SeaPeople is great for connecting with other liveaboards and finding out where everyone is, while Navily and NoForeignLand help us find anchorages or practical things like supermarkets, laundromats, etc.
1. What or who inspired you to want to live onboard?
Actually — I did — as well as my friend Dan. When I was 17, we used to go weekend cruising and loved dropping anchor and chilling out for the night and bringing friends on board to have great parties. We had no idea people lived on boats and sailed around the world. We searched through the papers for boats that were in Australia and figured we could move there, work in the farms and fields, and make some cash picking strawberries, kale and other vegetables through the summers, and sail around during the winters. Anyway, that plan didn’t work out. I’ve since realized, many people have tried this.
2. What are the biggest changes/trends you have seen or experienced in the last few years as a liveaboard cruiser?
Energy storage. I think the biggest technology jump must be lithium batteries but only since their recent price drop. You can now get lithiums for the same price as expensive brand AGM’s per usable watt, and battery capacity makes a huge difference to a cruiser, especially on a year-round liveaboard. Having days of intense energy usage available makes cruising a lot easier.
3. Tell us about one of your most challenging/crazy experiences while cruising?
Without question, managing the Odyssey Sailing Festival. I didn’t really know what it was going to be when I started organizing the first one, but the whole planning process and the execution of the actual week with logistics of 12 boats and 150 people was a lot. Combining that with hosting the entire week, going through the emotions with everyone, and seeing the skippers smash it was very rewarding.
4. What are three tips for anyone considering transitioning to cruising as a liveaboard full-time?
1. Have a strong relationship with the crew — boyfriend, wife, kids, friends, etc. Make sure you embark on this journey when everyone is 100% aware of the challenges.
2. Be prepared to spend more money than you thought you would. Once you have just started and are on the move, you will quickly realize the extra cash can really improve your quality of life — so have it ready. ACs and water makers and big inverters and electric toilets will start to become appealing very quickly.
3. Forget the cruising plan you first made. Don’t even try to stick to it — aim to leave the dock and take it as it comes.
5. What’s your favorite cruising destination or marina you’ve visited on your journey thus far, and what makes it stand out to you?
Arriving in Marina de Horta in the Azores. Horta is an incredible little place, and the vibe downtown is absolutely boom town. The party is right on the dock with sailors and liveaboards everywhere, a good music scene, and so much cruising history. There are paintings on the quay walls from decades of sailors from every part of the planet. It’s incredible.
1. What or who inspired you to want to live onboard?
The desire to travel through the tropics led us to discovering boat life. On a previous trip we met a young couple who sailed across the Atlantic to cruise the Caribbean and we followed their incredible journey on Instagram. At the time, the thought of us doing that never crossed our minds and we didn’t even know how to sail. However, while stuck at home during COVID, we started watching YouTube travel videos and began to explore the world of liveaboard cruising. As cliché as it sounds, we owe a lot of our inspiration to YouTube. Thanks to that and a loathing for corporate desk jobs, after a couple years of planning and support from our friends, we made the leap and bought our boat S/V Isla.
2. How has your involvement with YCA helped you?
Our introduction to boat life started with the YCA. We reached out to members and joined before we even bought our boat. As “newbies,” we didn’t know if our dream was a crazy reach or totally doable. Meeting up with peers reassured us that we could make it happen and wouldn’t regret it. Once we got our boat, we already had a community to follow and link up with in The Bahamas. We had the best first year cruising because of the people we met and befriended through the YCA. These are all lifelong friends now and we continue to make more friends everywhere we go.
3. Tell us about one of your most challenging/crazy experiences while cruising?
Our first few months aboard come to mind. With no experience, we bought a boat, and after a month of prep, sailed over 1,000 NM down the U.S. East Coast by ourselves. We crossed a container ship’s stern so close that the prop wash spun our boat! Since then, we’ve been hit with a 50-kt squall while sailing, had whales following us at night just meters off the boat, and sailed to a new country to get a piece of coral removed from an eye. Most recently, a bat flew into our boat going 15 NM off the coast of Guatemala while on overnight passage to Mexico. The bat flew into Gabby’s face and prompted us to hunt down rabies shots in rural Mexico upon entry. There’s never a dull moment when cruising!
4. What role does technology play in your cruising lifestyle, and what tools or apps do you rely on most?
Technology plays a huge role in our liveaboard lifestyle, enabling us to live and work remotely while cruising. Our most used tools/apps are Starlink for the internet, Navionics for electronic charts and the Windy app for quick weather data. We also use tech for staying connected with other cruisers; however, this has been lacking. We are excited for the SeaPeople app to rise in this area. It really has potential to be a more central solution for linking sailors and staying connected, as well as letting friends and family follow along on land.
5. What are the biggest misconceptions people have about the liveaboard lifestyle, and how would you address them?
A big misconception is that this lifestyle is all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, it’s mostly hard work and dedication. Cruising doesn’t just come easy without a lot of effort and planning. We like to say, “the highs are high, and the lows are low.” This isn’t necessarily a misconception that needs addressing, but sometimes when people mention how lucky we are to be living this dream, we enlighten them a bit on what it takes to make this dream a reality. We do think we are fortunate to be liveaboards, but we also appreciate the work we put into it.
Boating is all about journeys and For Avi Rubin, professor emeritus in computer science at Johns Hopkins University, whose self-professed boat obsession dates to childhood, one reminiscence mainly sticks in his mind: “It’s a video of our four-year-old twins wearing life jackets and playing the clapping game of patty-cake with their older sister while we were underway with blue water all around. The next day, we were healed over with the rail in the water with 18-knot winds, the boat doing 8 knots, and all of us shouting for joy.”
“Spending 24 hours a day in close quarters has its challenges — still, it creates life stories you never forget,” says Rubin, a long-time Marinalife reader who keeps the magazine onboard his 70-foot Hampton Endurance, Empty Nest, while cruising with his wife. “It’s the only publication where I find the ads as valuable as the stories. We’ve found several marinas on our snowbird journey that we learned about because they advertised in Marinalife.”
Planning those passages and the stepping-stone marina stops along the way has been an enormous help to many Marinalife readers. Bob Arrington, whose earliest boating memory of fishing with his dad for bass, pike and walleye on Lake Michigan, first became a Cruising Club member for this benefit.
“Years ago, we and our friends lived in and around Baltimore,” says Arrington, a long-time Marinalife magazine contributor. “The seven of us planned our entire summers together. We’d go to St. Michaels, Annapolis and Williamsburg and spend our weekends and vacations together aboard our boats. Back then, Marinalife made all the reservations for us — one phone call and the seven of us had reservations.”
Marinalife’s current Trip Tools include itineraries, destinations, marina finder, articles and marina reservations through Snag-A-Slip. Nowadays, Arrington and his wife, Dori, seasonally cruise between St. Petersburg, Florida, and Maine on their 54-foot Ocean Alexander trawler, Liberdade. This summer, the couple plans to cruise further east in Maine and up to the Canadian Maritimes. “I never tire of watching the sunrise when we’re underway 30 to 40 miles offshore,” says Arrington. “It’s a memory that continues to imprint on my mind because it’s the reward for having made it through the night.”
Lou Sulla, who grew up in a boating family, first took his uncle’s 16-foot Boston Whaler out on Long Island Sound as a teenager to meet girls and today cruises his 61-foot Altima pilot house, Madeline Marie IV, in Singer Island, Florida, in the winter and the Sound in the summers with his wife. Sulla is one of Marinalife’s first members. “I bought all my friends’ memberships so they could make marina bookings too,” he says.
One of Sulla’s favorite recollections arose not from specific plans but from storm-caused serendipity almost 25 years ago. He and his wife were moored with several friends at Center Island off Oyster Bay on their 36-foot Stamos. The following day, the fleet of friends started or Block Island, only to hit such an extreme sea state that they sought refuge. “One of my friends found this place, Spencer’s Marina, in Milford, Connecticut. We headed up Milford Harbor and saw the folks there pulling boats out of the water to accommodate us. We noticed the boats were small compared to our group including a 45-foot Viking, 33-foot Wellcraft Coastal, 31-foot Sea Ray, 33-foot Wellcraft Martinique, plus my Stamos,” says Sulla.
“They couldn’t manage the electrical load when we all docked, so they had to run generators. Then they started cooking for us and bringing trays of food. One person gave us their car to use if we needed it. Another gave us the keys to their house so we could take showers. It was a very surreal experience. Those were some of the kindest, most generous people we ever met, and it was one of the best times we had with all our friends.”
Jay Pollack was an adult when he bought his first boat, a 16-foot Four Winns with a 70 HP engine, and realized it was a great entertaining platform with friends. Pollack discovered Marinalife’s Trip Tools while visiting the company’s booth at the Palm Beach Boat Show in 2021. Pollack had newly purchased his 40-foot Schaefer, Life Afloat, and planned to cruise it from Florida to Chicago.
“For $100, they [Marinalife staff] said, ‘Tell us where you want to go and when, and we’ll take care of it,’” he says. “I had given them my profile, yacht club memberships, Boat U.S. number, everything necessary. Considering that I’m driving the boat singlehanded for about a quarter of the trips we take, watching markers and boat traffic down the intercoastal, I don’t have the time to phone around. This way, all we had to do was pull into the marina each night.”
Pollack has clocked 100,000-plus miles on each hull he’s owned, so boating travel is a way of life. It was his family’s first trip across the Gulf Stream from Florida to the Bahamas, which is among his favorite blasts from the past. The Sea Ray he cruised back then experienced engine problems, and Pollack stopped in Bimini for a fix. “The cool part came when we left Bimini, stopped for lunch at Chub Cay, and headed south,” he says. “The look on my kids’ faces when they saw the water change from that white sand of the Bahama Bank to the deep blue of the tongue of the ocean and then saw Atlantis rise on the horizon was incredible. It’s hard to impress teenagers, but that sure did.”
Marine industry professionals like Capt. Glenn Bregman, who obtained his 200-ton captain’s license after a career as a financial advisor and now runs large private power yachts, says his Captain’s Club membership has saved over $4,000 in fuel discounts and slip fees one season when he worked on a 46-foot Sea Ray.
“I’ve been blessed as a captain to work for some great people,” says Bregman, who also checks out Marinalife’s online itineraries to plan his trips. “Some of my favorite memories are of the trips I took with a family I worked with for several years. I’d take the wife and her four sisters from Virginia Beach to Martha’s Vineyard. I got a slip in front of Nancy’s Restaurant in Oak Bluffs. We were there for three weeks. When the women left, the husband and brothers would come up. We’d go to Boston, then make our way back through Provincetown, Newport, Block Island, Sag Harbor, Old Saybrook, and I’d drop them off at Liberty Landing Marina.”
Capt. Sue Nerud, a Great Lakes native with a 100-ton license who owns and operates Gasparilla Boat Tours in Englewood, Florida, says Marinalife has “opened a world of opportunity for me as a female captain. It’s brought me together with friends and family. I’ve met some of the best people on the water.”
One of Nerud’s favorite flashbacks happened when she stayed overnight on her 22-foot Larson cuddy cabin cruiser, Alpha Mare, off Caladesi Island across from Dunedin, Florida. “I remember waking up to dolphins all around my boat. I sat on the seat of my dive platform, and the dolphins came right up to me. There were no other boats around; it was just me.”
Finally, it’s not just the boating from birth and decades-long cruisers who benefit from Marinalife. Take Wanda and Lisette Bergeron, for example. Both women have fond family boating memories, Wanda on the West River in Maryland and Lisette in the Gulf of Mexico out of Port Fourchon, Grand Isle, and Cocodrie in south Louisiana. However, their boat ownership journey is less than two years underway, says Lisette, who helms their Sundancer 340, Ladies’ Pride, out of Belmont Bay Harbor Marina, in Woodbridge, Virginia.
“As I learn to captain our vessel, with Wanda as first mate, we agree it’s not too late to dust off old skills and learn anew. Our new adventures have just begun. So, Marinalife as a resource of entertainment and insight has just begun.”
For 25 years, Marinalife has been your trusted guide to the boating lifestyle. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re launching revamped Cruising Club memberships — crafted to bring you the best on-the-water experiences!
💻 Become a Digital Subscriber – Access exclusive digital content such as destination guides, cruising itineraries, boating articles and the Marinalife e-newsletter, and join fun contests!
📖 Marinalife Magazine Subscription – Receive seasonal print issues of Marinalife Magazine delivered to your door, plus full digital access.
⚓ Cruising Club Membership – Enjoy all magazine benefits plus exclusive discounts on dockage, fuel, and retail with our partners, plus a free boat show ticket and a digital membership card for easy access to your perks.
⛵ Upgrade with Sea Tow – Add Gold Card towing services for peace of mind on every voyage.
Join today at marinalife.com and elevate every adventure on the water!
In this new digital world, data paints a picture — and we’re sharing ours. We’ve gleaned tried-and-true locations for boaters from five years of website traffic at Marinalife and Snag-A-Slip. Whether an international city or a waterfront town, all 25 spots on our list have the marinas, amenities and attractions that make them hit the mark year after year. Here’s a peek at what makes them unique.
Portland Harbor bustles like none other in Maine. Berth in the Old Port neighborhood and walk the cobblestone streets or stay nearby across the channel. The city is rich in culture: literary icons Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Stephen King were born here. Add lobsters, blueberries, microbreweries, the Portland Observatory Museum, Fort Gorges and the annual Maine Boatbuilders Show.
Newburyport prides itself on being the official birthplace of the U.S. Coast Guard, with the Custom House Maritime Museum detailing the organization’s history. The Merrimack River is popular for overwintering and vessel service. An eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, museums, restaurants and cafes line the streets of the retail district.
Unpainted shingles are the signature of Nantucket. The 14-mile-long island attracts visitors from around the world to its charming small towns. There are dune-backed beaches, manicured streets, occasional sightings of the rich and famous, incredibly good food, and a rich past as a 19th-century whaling hub. Dock at Nantucket Boat Basin, a short walk from the historic district and the Whaling Museum.
The Mystic River leads boaters to the largest maritime museum in the country, Mystic Seaport. Navigate through the historic bascule bridge to the seaport’s marina or dock at one of many options along the way. The historic whaling town, which frequents top destination lists, draws crowds to its charming Main Street.
It’s no surprise that boaters love Newport. The sailing mecca hosts the Newport International Boat Show, an annual classic yacht parade, a classic jazz festival and mansions harkening from the Gilded Age. Its historic association with the America’s Cup includes the infamous 1983 race when Australia (and a winged keel) took the trophy from America. Reserve a dock or join the feast of yachts that moor in the harbor.
Kidney-shaped Block Island swells with activity in summer. Champlin’s Marina and Resort, with 250 slips for yachts up to 300 feet and on-site eateries, is the centerpiece of well-protected waters in Great Salt Pond. The restaurants and shops in Old Harbor are a walk away. Many circle the island on two wheels and stop at Mohegan Bluffs to look out at the groundbreaking offshore wind farm.
Maritime activity has deep roots in Greenport on Long Island’s North Fork. East End Seaport Museum tells stories of the former whaling and shipbuilding town and offers tours of “Bug Lighthouse.” Well-known Claudio’s, with a marina and four eateries, fronts the town center. Long Island wineries and Shelter Island are nearby.
Victorian houses and miles of South Jersey coastline grace Cape May, one of the country’s oldest seaside resorts. The harbor is filled with amenity- rich marinas two miles away from a town square with pedestrian-only streets. Live music, theater, events and serious fishing tournaments add to the appeal. The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse offers sweeping ocean views.
Oh say can you see … Baltimore is forever tied to our national anthem and Fort McHenry. Water taxis, an attraction-filled inner harbor, public markets and a melting pot of cuisine choices make it an easy city to enjoy. Inner Harbor Marina is right in the must-see downtown while Harbor East Marina is a short walk to the Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point, and Little Italy. The newly renovated Lighthouse Point Marina is at the edge of the city in the walkable Canton neighborhood.
Annapolis is most often described as “pretty.” Tree-lined streets pass colonial buildings, shops, eateries and the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy (with a museum). Dock or moor at Annapolis Town Dock or at Annapolis City Marina for easy downtown access. The Marina at Nautilus Point on tranquil Back Creek in the Eastport neighborhood is minutes away by water taxi.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum defines the Eastern Shore town of St. Michaels. An 18-acre waterfront campus houses an 1879 screw-pile lighthouse and runs a smorgasbord of waterfront activities. In town, the St. Michaels Marina is steps away from restaurants as well as the independently owned shops of Talbot Street, selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to infused olive oils and local distilled rum.
Boating in our nation’s capital has never been better. On Washington Channel near the National Mall, you’ll find The Wharf Marina with its own mile of parks, promenades and piers. The Anacostia River’s alternate fork of the Potomac features The Yards Marina, where you can hear Nationals baseball games from your boat or scope out the hot neighborhood’s breweries, dining, and shopping scene. On the Potomac, National Harbor Marina is in a hub easily spotted by the 180-foot glowing Capital Wheel.
Hampton, famous for the colonist landing spot on Old Point Comfort, sits on a protected waterway off busy Hampton Roads. Fort Monroe National Monument is four miles outside of town and marinas. Another draw is the Virginia Air and Space Science Center, the official visitor center of the NASA Langley Research Center.
One visitor says there are “more boats than people” in laid-back Oriental on the Neuse River. A museum details the small town’s history; it is rumored to have been settled by “Uncle Lou” in the 1870s when he anchored his sailboat in the intracoastal waters. You can visit or set down roots at The River Dunes Harbor Club and Marina, a pristine living community and marina to the north.
Southern charm and culinary pleasures set the stage in Charleston. The Georgian houses of Rainbow Row, the Pineapple Fountain at Public Pier and the French Quarter are a healthy walk or free shuttle away from marinas on the Ashley River. Other options are on Shem Creek or dock-and-dines on the Intracoastal. McLeod Plantation Historic Site and Fort Sumter are nearby.
An homage to Spanish colonialism sets St. Augustine apart. The low-lying Castillo de San Marcos National Monument fires cannons weekly at a busy waterfront park. The streets of the adjacent Colonial Quarter wind through Spanish influence, including the architecture of Flagler College and the Ponce Hotel. The St. Augustine Lighthouse affords faraway views.
Thriving Miami has one of the busiest ports in the world. Cruise ships, superyachts and jet skis all ply the waters of Biscayne Bay. Latin American influence is everywhere, especially in the cuisine. The Wynwood Arts District, trendy South Beach, artsy Coconut Grove and Little Havana are all part of a diversity like none other. Venetian Marina & Yacht Club has a premier location for enjoying it all.
From residential Key Largo to funky Key West, wonders surround the 800 jewels streaming from the Florida mainland. Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet extolled the pleasures of living on Key West, with its famous sunset celebration at Mallory Square. For a luxurious retreat, with access to downtown, dock at The Perry Hotel & Marina or Stock Island Marina.
Tampa and St. Petersburg anchor the vibrant Tampa Bay region on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Tampa is larger, with strong business activity and ongoing efforts to connect city and waterfront. Boating-centric St. Petersburg centers around the 26-acre St. Pete Pier, the ultimate place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, swim. Marine facilities sit north and south.
Sportfish tournaments, Gulf beaches and watersports attract boaters to Alabama’s Orange Beach. Inside Perdido Pass, Orange Beach Marina, long known for big-game fishing tournaments, has evolved into a prime spot for pleasure craft, as well. The Wharf, to the west on the Intracoastal, boasts a 200-slip marina, 10,000-seat amphitheater, more than 60 shops and restaurants, a Ferris wheel, laser light shows and more.
Chicago Harbors runs the country’s largest municipal harbor system along the city’s 14-mile Lake Michigan coastline. Its 10 harbors hold 6,000 boats. From DuSable, Monroe and Burnham harbors, boaters enjoy skyline views and easy downtown access. Montrose, Belmont and Diversey harbors are steps away from the city’s 1,188-acre Lincoln Park. Jackson Park and 59th Street harbors sit in lagoons farther south near beaches and museums.
The scenic beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula surrounds Charlevoix. A vast network of freshwater boating on Lake Michigan, Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix goes along with small-town ambiance. Iconic mushroom-shaped homes, boutiques, galleries and the restored working South Pier Lighthouse add to the appeal.
A temperate climate and consistent breezes bless San Diego, home to the West Coast’s largest naval base. The city’s Balboa Park with the legendary San Diego Zoo, plus the amusements of Belmont Park at Mission Beach are iconic. Half Moon Marina is part of a tropical getaway on Shelter Island at the mouth of San Diego Bay, a short drive to all the wonders of Southern California.
Forget its rainy reputation. Millions of visitors head to Seattle every year. Puget Sound ferries connect a network of islands to the vibrant city featuring the Space Needle, Pikes Place Market and a plethora of hidden gems. Close to downtown, Elliott Bay Marina has a country club ambiance and panoramic views of the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains.
The big city meets the tropics in The Bahamas’ capital. The destination is brimming with activity and restaurant choices downtown and is near the stones-throw-away slots of Paradise Island. Bay Street Marina and Nassau Yacht Haven Marina are in the heart of the city within walking distance to everything. The Palm Cay Marina and Beach Club puts you on the island’s southeastern point in an amenity-rich boaters’ community with easy access to The Exumas.
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While the job market is not always an easy world to navigate, marine trades associations across the coast work diligently to offer resources and promote a growing industry.
The New England region boasts leading organizations such as the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA), who hosted the 19th annual Business of Boating Conference (BOB) in Foxboro, MA, this past January. The event featured award ceremonies and sessions on workforce development, Al marketing tips and tools, boating safety updates, employment law, technological advancements within the industry, government relations, legislative issues, and more.
“Finding employees remains a complex issue within the recreational boating industry,” says Randall Lyons, executive director of MMTA. “Starting with regional and state associations and collaborating with national associations remains critical to finding a long-term solution to this issue. This collaboration allows for support and interaction with member businesses, schools, job seekers, employees and more.”
According to a 2024 U.S. Marine Economy Report from NOAA, tourism and recreation landed as the leading job industry along the Atlantic coast with 66% employment rate in the Northeast and 65% in the Mid-Atlantic, while marine construction reported one of the lowest rates at only 1% in both regions. Even though the regions boasted an overall 13-14% increase in marine jobs from prior years, trades associations continue to support the industry by providing resources, scholarship and certification opportunities, and local advocacy.
One of the main sessions of the BOB Conference focused on supporting an increased pipeline of trained individuals within the state and ensuring businesses support MMTA’s partner schools that continue to expand training programs.
“Associations represent businesses, and businesses represent boaters; the more we can do together, the easier this issue will be to resolve,” says Lyons.
MMTA’s website offers everything from boating safety resources, products, services, news updates and event info to job postings and announcements. The Massachusetts Marine Trades Educational Trust, MMTA’s non-profit foundation, provides an active job board, scholarship opportunities, schools and training programs, and a detailed Massachusetts Boating Industry 101 document. Lyons says one of the most successful programs has been the “Tools of the Trade” benefit where MMTA provides a gift card for tools to a marine employee in need of building their toolbox.
In Newport, RI, the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association (RIMTA) also champions the local marine industry through education, advocacy and environmental stewardship. RIMTA is working in partnership with the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) to revamp their resources and develop a new marine trades website.
Down on the Chesapeake Bay, organizations such as the Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM) also offer resources and support industry advocacy. MTAM’s non-profit based out of Annapolis, MD, is dedicated to growing the recreational boating industry and a sustainable workforce for the trades and preservation of Maryland waters.
The MTAM job board stays up to date with publicly accessible listings, and members are represented on marine trades issues before the Maryland legislature and state and federal agencies. Benefits include access to exclusive discounts, resources and opportunities for hands-on training at the Annapolis School of Seamanship and certifications through the American Boat & Yacht Council.
The benefits of a trade job provide endless resources for certifications, on-the-job training and first-hand workforce development. Take advantage of scholarship programs, networking events and opportunities for lifelong careers.
MMTA, a Marinalife partner, sends a thank you to all attendees and presenters who participated in this year’s BOB conference, as well as a special thanks to the sponsors. Download the full list of sponsors below.
Today, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: 25 years of Marinalife! What began as a groundbreaking idea has grown into an essential resource for boaters and marinas, helping countless people navigate, explore and enjoy life on the water. This is more than a celebration of history; it’s a tribute to the journeys, connections and innovations that have made Marinalife a trusted resource for the boating community.
It all started on a summer day in 1999. Founder Joy McPeters, frustrated with the lack of accessible marina information, imagined a way to connect boaters and marinas through technology. By early 2000, Marinalife was born, and a dream took shape — to make boating more accessible, enjoyable and connected.
From the very beginning, Marinalife was on the move — literally. The early days were filled with road trips and voyages aboard the aptly named boat Marinalife, exploring marinas along the East Coast and beyond. Joy and her team traversed the Chesapeake Bay, ventured down to Key West, and set their sights on destinations as far-reaching as the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Every trip aboard Marinalife was a chance to meet marina operators, listen to boaters’ stories and uncover the unique needs of the boating community.
These adventures didn’t just inspire the team — they defined the mission. Marinalife became more than a platform; it became a trusted navigator, helping boaters create their own stories on the water.
As the boating industry embraced digital transformation, Marinalife evolved to meet the needs of tech-savvy boaters. In 2017, a new chapter began when Marinalife joined forces with Snag-A-Slip, an innovative platform that revolutionized how boaters find and book slips. Together, Marinalife and Snag-A-Slip became a powerhouse duo, combining Marinalife’s trusted resources with Snag-A-Slip’s seamless reservation technology.
Now, with just a few clicks, boaters can explore destinations, book slips and plan entire voyages from the convenience of their phones. This partnership has redefined the boating experience, bringing convenience and confidence to boaters while empowering marinas to connect with a broader audience.
At its core, Marinalife has always been about enhancing the boating lifestyle. Over the past 25 years, it has served as a lifeline for boaters, providing trip itineraries,
destination guides, captain’s tips, and a membership program brimming with exclusive discounts and benefits. Marinalife magazine became a beloved companion, evolving from a simple black-and-white guide into a vibrant publication filled with inspiring stories and essential resources.
Boaters have relied on Marinalife to navigate every step of their journeys, from planning trips to finding the perfect marina. Whether it’s cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, island hopping in the Caribbean, or exploring the hidden gems of the Great Lakes, Marinalife has been there every nautical mile, ensuring boaters can focus on what they love most — being on the water.
As we commemorate this milestone, the horizon is brimming with possibilities. 2025 will bring new and enhanced membership benefits, expanded digital content and exciting partnerships that will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the boating world. The boat Marinalife may no longer chart the waters, but its spirit lives on in every innovation, every marina connection and every boater who sets sail with Marinalife as their trusted guide.
Here’s to 25 years of making waves — and many more to come. Whether you’re a seasoned captain or a new boater, Marinalife is proud to be your compass as we journey into the next era of boating. Stay tuned for what’s on the horizon, and let’s keep the adventure going!
From small ports to luxury resorts, tons of marinas are buzzing with news and exciting announcements. Constantly working to accommodate boaters’ needs from upgraded lodging to new amenities, these properties continue to enhance facilities and make guests feel at home. Check out the latest happenings at the following marinas spanning from the Great Lakes to Florida.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee County’s only public lakefront marina recently completed phase two of a three-phase marina redevelopment project along Lake Michigan. The spacious 703-slip facility offers floating docks and fuel services, and recent property upgrades include reconstructed stormwater utilities, boat trailer parking areas, boat storage area, new underground fuel tanks and fuel delivery system, and a digital pay station for launch fees. The marina also boasts a reconstructed fish cleaning
facility with a new shelter structure, utility systems, lighting, decorative perimeter fencing, cleaning table and grinders, as well as a secure storage area with lockers.
Rock Hall, MD
Boaters can enjoy a cozy getaway at this hidden gem along the Chesapeake Bay. The Inn at Haven Harbour recently introduced the new Crew Quarters cottage, an eclectic two-story retreat boasting breathtaking water views from almost every angle. Ideal for large families or groups, the pet-friendly cottage hosts up to 14 guests and offers upscale amenities. Dock at Haven Harbour’s full-service 200-slip facility or Haven Harbour South’s 150-slip marina, both situated in a protected cove of Rock Hall Harbor.
Savannah, GA
Located along the Savannah River just a few miles inland of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, this marina provides incredible views of Savannah’s downtown historic riverfront district and is located just a short ferry ride across the river. The marina’s 100 slips can accommodate all vessel types with virtually no depth or air draft restrictions. This purpose-built facility offers essential amenities required to comfortably welcome all boaters including superyachts, cruisers and great loopers.
Naples, FL
This private, member-owned yacht club in north Naples recently received a certificate of completion for the full rebuild of the marina following destruction from Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The $20 million marina renovation and seawall reconstruction courtesy of Bellingham Marine and Kelly Brothers Inc. revitalized 1,500 liner feet of seawall, 113 concrete floating slips, 70 timber slips with IMM Quality Boat Lifts, and seven floating aluminum slips.
Fort Myers, FL
Another Florida marina making significant restoration progress from Hurricane Ian damage in 2022 is Salty Sam’s located along Fort Myers Beach. Golden Marine Systems, in conjunction with Gorman Marine Construction, recently completed installation of the new D-Dock, featuring the innovative 850 Series dock system equipped with Endeck Ashwood decking. The system also includes 12-inch adjustable cleats, pile guides and finger piers designed to withstand harsh marine conditions and provide a safe and user-friendly experience.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pier Sixty-Six Marina has remained open for boaters throughout a recent resort transformation inviting guests to enjoy its impeccable setting and exceptional service. Docks on both sides of 17th Street provide easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean, making it an ideal destination. The marina features 5,000 linear feet of dockage with 164 slips, high-speed fueling, zero bridge restrictions and dockside concierge service, and is a designated Foreign Trade Zone.
The annual Association of Marina Industries (AMI) Conference & Expo recently took place this January at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The three-day event hosted seminars, workshops, receptions and exhibits geared towards marina owners, operators, and industry professionals.
As 2025 officially marks 25 years of Marinalife, the crew kicked off the milestone celebrations at this year’s AMI event by hosting a champagne toast to honor the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards winners. In addition to presenting awards, Marinalife founder Joy McPeters gave a special thanks to long-time partners and members who have contributed over the years.
The all-new Readers’ Choice Awards contest honors the best in class highlighting categories that define what makes a perfect marina destination. Nationwide boaters voted for favorites ranging in everything from best hidden gem, dry storage, boatyard, amenities, dockside bar, entertainment, friendliest staff and most pet-friendly facility to best marina overall.
Marinalife was honored to raise a toast and present awards to the following winners in attendance:
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Best Marina Overall winner recipient:
Michael Torras and Daren Pietsch, Brunswick Landing Marina — Brunswick, GA
Best Dry Storage Marina winner recipient:
Shane Strause, Waterways Marina — Richmond Hill, GA
Best Dockside Bar winner recipient:
Nicholas Mastroianni III, Tiki 52 at Blowing Rocks Marina — Tequesta, FL
Most Pet-Friendly Marina winner recipient:
Christina Martin, Nantucket Boat Basin — Nantucket, MA
Stay tuned for the magazine’s 25th anniversary special edition issue publishing this March featuring the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards winners and articles commemorating the industry over the past 25 years. View all category winners here.
As Marinalife celebrates 25 years of serving the boating community, we are thrilled to announce the winners of the Readers’ Choice Awards, sponsored by Sea Tow, honoring marinas, destinations, and individuals who go above and beyond to create exceptional boating experiences. From hidden gems to luxury amenities, these winners reflect the heart and soul of our vibrant boating community.
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A boater’s haven located along Georgia’s Golden Isles, Brunswick Landing Marina boasts 445+ wet and dry slips, unlimited free laundry, and a reputation for its lively community spirit. With free happy hour socials and yoga classes, it’s no wonder this marina has captured the hearts of boaters nationwide.
“We are absolutely ecstatic to be named the first-place marina for the third consecutive year,” says manager Michael Torras. “This ongoing success is a testament to the incredible team we’ve built at Brunswick Landing Marina and the unwavering support of our loyal customers, who inspire us year after year.”
Nestled in Hilton Head Island, this South Carolina gem offers 178 slips, stunning waterfront views along a lively promenade, award-winning dining and a vibrant calendar of events. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
“We’re so grateful to our guests for their support and proud to represent such a special place on the map of premier marina destinations,” says dockmaster Mason Lemon.
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Tiki 52 at Blowing Rocks Marina
(Tequesta, FL)
With refreshing cocktails and stunning views, Tiki 52 is the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the water.
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(Nantucket, MA)
Four-legged friends are treated like VIPs at this marina, which offers a “Woof Welcome” and pet-friendly amenities.
(Chestertown, MD)
Famous for its lively summer concerts and laid-back beach vibes, Tolchester Marina is the go-to spot for boaters seeking fun and relaxation.
Robbie Smith at Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina
Robbie’s warm welcome and dedication to service have made him a standout favorite among boaters visiting this iconic Bahamas resort.
This year’s awards are extra special as Marinalife celebrates its 25th anniversary of providing tools, resources, and inspiration to the boating community. From connecting boaters with the best marinas to sharing unforgettable destinations, Marinalife is proud to serve as the trusted companion for your adventures on the water.
For more information about the Readers’ Choice Awards and Marinalife, visit www.marinalife.com.
The holiday season is the perfect time to celebrate on the water with festive drinks and great company. Whether you’re anchored in a quiet cove or tied up at your favorite marina, these holiday-inspired cocktails are easy to make and sure to bring cheer to your crew.
A festive cocktail that’s equal parts fun and festive, the Dirty Santa delivers a sweet, refreshing flavor with a pop of color — perfect for any holiday get-together on the water.
Ingredients:
Coconut flakes (for rim)
1.5 oz vodka
0.75 oz grenadine
0.5 oz lime juice
Lemon-lime soda
Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
A cozy, indulgent treat with a boozy twist, this Hot Cocoa Martini is perfect for chilly nights on the docks.
Ingredients:
3 oz hot cocoa, cooled
1oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
1 oz dark crème de cacao Crème De Cacao dark liqueur
0.75 oz vanilla vodka
Mini marshmallows
Instructions:
These cocktails are easy to make with limited space onboard and add a festive flair to any holiday celebration on the water. So gather your crew, raise a glass, and toast to smooth sailing and happy holidays! Cheers!
Christmas is just around the corner — but there’s still time to snag deals on perfect items for the beloved boater in your life.
In Marinalife’s fall edition, we featured our annual Holiday Shopping Guide, showcasing hot boating items for the season. In part two of our gift guide, we highlight a few additional products ranging from useful gadgets to limited-edition nautical collections. If you didn’t find a favorite in our last guide, you’ll be sure to find it here. Check out our top picks.
WOW Sports
Designed for kids and adults of all ages who love an exciting water ride, this three-person towable is ideal for attaching to the boat on a lake cruise. The versatile inflatable allows for various riding positions, catering to users of all skill levels. Don’t miss out on the holiday sale price! $299
Sunchill
This innovative inflatable is the ultimate multi-person water hammock. The circular float features a net in the middle of a ring with seams that prevent leaking. It’s easily compactible for any trip and you can choose from a bright and fun color palette ranging from lemonade yellow to cotton candy pink and blue. $699
Marine Faux Fur Long Lap Blanket
Pretty Rugged
Whether you’re covering up outdoors to stay warm or cozying up in the cabin, this waterproof, windproof, ultra-soft blanket is essential for any cold-weather adventure. The durable design features innovative RuggedTex™ protection on one side and a comfy faux mink on the other. The inspiration behind this brand is credited to owner Tracy Slocum’s great-great-grandfather, Joshua Slocum, the first sailor to circumnavigate the world alone! $150
Day Tripper Bitter End Tote by Aloha Collection
Bitter End Provisions at Bitter End Yacht Club
The limited-edition Day Tripper tote is part of a three-bag Aloha collection with exclusive designs only found at Bitter End Provisions. The lightweight, waterproof, and compact yet spacious design features convenient inner and outer pockets. The signature nautical blue color and durable fabric make this bag an ideal accessory for any adventure. For every purchase made at Bitter End Provisions, $1 is donated to the Bitter End Foundation, a 501©(3) organization that supports the local BVI community. $90
Limited Edition Guy Harvey Collection
Custom Captain
Custom Captain recently partnered with the Guy Harvey retail company to launch a limited-edition collection. Customize select merchandise and place any boat in a bright and bold Guy Harvey artwork design for a truly unique gift. Shop everything from tumblers to tote bags in this exclusive collection. $32 - $60
JBL
Conveniently crank the tunes in any outdoor setting with this portable Bluetooth speaker. The compact, waterproof, and dustproof speaker is oval-shaped and fits in your hand with a carabiner integrated into the speaker itself for extra protection. Choose from color combos such as blue and pink or black and orange, as well as vibrant solid colors including all red or teal. Easily clip to a bag strap, cooler, or anywhere on the boat. $59
Garmin
Anglers will love this lightweight castable sonar device that turns phones into fish finders. The power-savvy device automatically powers on when floating in water and turns off when grounded to save battery life. Just cast it out and reel it back in to easily view live streaming sonar with a 200’ range via smartphone or tablet. $129
The winds of change are blowing across the lakes and oceans, bays and rivers where we take to the water in boats, and each passing day sees more women making their mark in a world that has traditionally been the domain of men. From confident, competent sailors like Kirsten Neuschäfer and Cole Brauer completing record-breaking solo voyages around the world, to the many passionate marine enthusiasts navigating coastal waters with confidence, increasing numbers of women are reshaping the maritime landscape with their resilience, determination, and enthusiasm for the sea.
At Rightboat.com we are seeing clear evidence of this trend in the numbers of female site visitors searching for boats to buy. Now, we’ve begun regularly analyzing our internal data to quantify the shift and see what else we can learn about the trend; note that not all Rightboat visitors are identifiable by gender, so the distribution is based on a large sample of visitors.
By the simple measure of the percentage of women vs. men visiting Rightboat.com and searching for a boat, we are seeing a significant change between 2017 and 2024. In the United States in 2017, just more than one of eight (13.25 percent) searchers were women; in 2024, nearly one in four were women—24.67 percent. Just in the last year, from the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024, the percentage of women searching climbed more than 3 percent.
Among those globally who are searching on the Rightboat website, the numbers today have moved even higher, to 27 percent. And in the United Kingdom, in particular, 30 percent of those searching for boats were women in the first half of 2024.
The trend was already in motion before the COVID pandemic, but there’s little question that women were a force behind the 415,000 first-time buyer boat sales in the US that the National Marine Manufacturers Association reported in 2020.
Even though men have typically taken the lead in a boat purchase, women have more and more frequently played a deciding role in the final choice of family boats. During the pandemic, many more women were attracted to boating as a safe, socially distanced outdoor family activity and began taking the lead in searching for boats and boating information. DiscoverBoating.com reported visits by women were up 41 percent during the period.
Even before the pandemic, in 2018, Jack Ellis of the market research firm Info-Link told BoatUS magazine that a higher percentage of women were giving boat ownership a try. At the time, 1 of 8 registered boat owners were women—about 12 or 13 percent—and Ellis said that the number of women first-time boat buyers was about one-third higher.
In 2024, Peter Houseworth of Info-Link said that the number of registered women boat owner has likely grown incrementally to the 14- to 15-percent range (1 of 7). Houseworth offered the reminder that the process of quantifying boat registrations by gender is challenged by the fact that many names are gender neutral and many boat registrations have two names on them.
Although the pandemic-induced buying surge has eased off in the last couple of years, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s 2024 report indicates female participation in fishing hit a record high in 2023—21.3 million women making up 37 percent of all anglers. Participation has increased since 2020 by 3 percent each year. Although not every angler necessarily needs a boat to go fishing, these data points fit with the trend making the boating world less of a domain for men.
Several women responded to our question in the Women Who Sail Facebook group (23.4K members) and while their motivations vary, there’s a clear theme of empowerment throughout. Stories we’ve heard included learning to sail as a young adult but only re-engaging with sailing when searching for something more in life, decades later. Or buying a boat, refitting it while learning on the job, then learning to handle it underway and eventually gaining skipper certifications, and sailing more and more miles, even to other countries.
With the onset of Covid in 2020, a sailor named Brioni reports that her husband wanted to sell everything and buy a boat to live on, and although reluctant initially, she’s gone from hating boats to “I couldn’t be happier.” She has learned to “make fiberglass repairs, sew canvas work, install a diesel engine, add solar panels and batteries, and build davits.”
Erica tells her story like this: “After living in the desert for 30 years, my wife and I were excited for a change when we moved out to the coast of the Pacific Northwest. We were fortunate to move into a neighborhood that has a marina and though neither of us had ever operated a boat before, we decided to get one and learn by doing. Our 30' sailboat was neglected by her prior owner, so in between our sail trips, we spend time working on restoring her to her former glory. It has been two years since we took the plunge, and though we have faced some really tough challenges, we wouldn't change it for the world—it isn't every day that you discover a shared passion with your partner, and this is one that we plan to continue for the rest of our lives.”
Looking more closely at the search data for the U.S., Rightboat reports that the most women are shopping for boats in the same states where the most men are shopping, which is no surprise. Boating is extremely popular in certain states, starting with the No. 1 boating state in the country, Florida, where 24 percent of searchers in the first half of 2024 were women. That was an increase from 20.7 percent during the same period in 2023.
Women in California, Texas, and New York were the next most frequent visitors to Rightboat.com, representing just over 23 percent of searches from those states.
Of the 10 states with the most women searching for boats on a percentage basis, the largest shifts in the proportion of women conducting searches in the last year were in North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Georgia—and the leader was North Carolina, with an increase from less than 19 percent to over 25 percent women.
Between 2021 and 2024, the greatest change in the percentages of women searching for boats appeared in states with a generally lower overall volume of searches, either due to lower populations or less access to water and boats. Of the top 10 states referenced above, Virginia has seen the most rapid growth on a percentage basis. Over the last three years, the number of women from Virginia searching for boats on Rightboat grew from 17 percent to 24 percent.
The increasing popularity of Rightboat in the U.S. overall and the uptick in the number and variety of boat listings on Rightboat are variables that may contribute to the changing numbers from state to state, but the rise in interest in searching for boats among women in all the top boating states nonetheless remains broadly consistent.
About Rightboat.com
Rightboat provides a unique alternative for buying and selling boats online. The platform is designed to tackle the common challenges faced by boat enthusiasts, thanks to a team of industry veterans and former brokers who understand the market inside out. Rightboat enhances the search and discovery process to connect buyers with their ideal boats, all while maintaining fair fees for brokers. An innovative approach ensures a cost-effective and user-friendly experience for everyone involved.Rightboat also hosts unbiased buying advice and practical boating tips, catering to both seasoned boaters and newcomers.
Visit rightboat.com to find out more.
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Based out of Fort Myers, FL, Golden Boat Lifts has been a leading marine manufacturer for more than 30 years, growing and expanding projects worldwide. Innovator of top-notch boat lifts and marine products, Golden is proud to announce the launch of three groundbreaking items that are changing the game in the marina industry.
The following new products are designed to enhance the boater experience and provide quality structures that guarantee customer satisfaction.
This revolutionary boat lift system seamlessly blends with any waterfront property. Engineered for discretion and performance, the Invisilift is designed to be invisible when not in use, preserving the natural beauty of the surroundings. Its robust construction and advanced technology ensure it performs a smooth and reliable operation, providing boat owners with peace of mind and a sleek, unobtrusive solution for convenient accessibility.
The new lift offers unparalleled results when it comes to versatility. Perfect for locations where traditional lift installations are not feasible, this freestanding model is designed to support a range of boat sizes and types. Its modular design allows for easy customization and relocation, making it an ideal choice for both private docks and commercial marinas. Constructed with marine-grade materials, the Freestanding Lift guarantees durability and longevity in harsh marine environments.
This innovative lift is set to pioneer the way boaters dock and store their vessels, the system combines the convenience of floating docks with the security and stability of traditional boat lifts. Featuring a user-friendly design, the Golden Float Lift allows for effortless docking and retrieval of boats, reducing the risk of damage and making boating more enjoyable. Its adaptable structure can accommodate various water levels and boat sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for every boater's needs.
With a commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and customer service, Golden Boat Lifts continues to set the standard for excellence in the marine industry. The company’s extensive product range includes lifts for personal watercraft, yachts and everything in between, all designed to make boating safer, easier, and more enjoyable.
For more information about the Invisilift, Freestanding Lift, Golden Float Lift or any other Golden Boat Lifts products, visit goldenboatlifts.com or contact the business development team at 239-337-4141.
Whether you like to be scared silly cruising down an eerie river on a haunted boat tour, or simply enjoy historic cities with seafaring ghost stories, October offers events for all water-lovers. From ghost ships packed with spooky tales to haunted cruises and Halloween fright fests, check out the following seasonal events held across the south.
Jamestown Haunted River Cruise
Williamsburg, VA
Now – November 1
Cruise along historic Williamsburg aboard a spacious U.S.C.G.-certified pontoon departing from the James City County Marina. Choose from frightening and fun cruises such as the Jamestown Murder Cruise in the Historic Triangle, Pirate Tales of the Chesapeake or the Jamestown Haunted River Cruise.
Murrells Inlet, SC
Now – October 30
Set out to sea at dusk on a ghostly cruise of the dark side of this southern Inlet. The tour is family-friendly and explores local history and the unknown.
Charleston, SC
Now – November 29
Learn about historic Charleston’s forts, ships, Antebellum homes and pirates who still haunt the seas. The ship boards near the Charleston Maritime Center.
Savannah, GA
Now – Halloween
The river tour departs from Eastern Wharf Dock near Thompson Hotel and cruises down ominous creeks while guides share stories of the city’s haunted past.
Mystic Ghost Rides Haunted Bayou Cruise
Bay St. Louis, MS
Seasonal
This unique BYOB excursion takes you through dark, misty marshes of the Mississippi Sound and southern bayou for a true “haunted south” experience. Embark on the Voodoo Love Boat Tour to hear the untold love story of pirate Jean Lafitte and The Curse of the Lost Gold in Bayou Caddy.
Moonlit Mysteries: Stargazing and Haunted History Boat Tour
St. Augustine, FL
Now – November 22
Cruise across the Matanzas Bay to St. Augustine’s historic bayfront to explore ancient navigation and creepy city tales while stargazing on this nighttime tour.
Newport, KY
Now – November 9
The William S. Mitchell is a notoriously cursed dredging vessel responsible for the death of 112 crewmembers over its 45 years of service, as well as hitting four bridges when it broke loose form its mooring during a flood in 1993. Named after its peculiar and “maniacal” Captain who collected bones dredged from the Missouri River, the ship now sits on Riverboat Row in Kentucky where guests can be scared to death on spooky tours such as The Mitchell Massacre and The Haunted Dredge Boat Tour.
USS Lexington, “Haunting on the Blue Ghost”
Corpus Christi, TX
Now – November 2
This WWII aircraft carrier-turned-museum transforms into a haunted house for the holiday season. This terrifying tour takes brave souls through more than 80 compartments on two decks while navigating through steep ladders, dark corridors and creaky hatchways, and even exploring places never before opened to the public.
Apopka, FL
October 31 – November 2
This event is perfect for experienced kayakers with a fearless sense of adventure. Guests embark on a nighttime paddle through the dark spring-fed waters of Florida’s haunted Emerald Cut with secret scare zones along the way. Costumes are encouraged and the best dressed wins a free kayak rental for two!
Tampa, FL
Now – November 2
Located directly behind the Florida Aquarium, step aboard the American Victory Ship & Museum for an eerie experience. The 1945 warship served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, and is famous for the mysterious purple glow emanating from the depths of the hull. Navigate a maze of passageways and decks as chaos is unleashed upon the vessel.
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DJI
Thrill-seekers will love capturing the moment with this best-in-class action camera. The camera produces striking image quality and top-notch results in light and dark settings, and the color mode gives over one billion hues to play with. The upgraded InvisiStick function offers a wide range of perspectives and eliminates the need for a selfie stick. ($299+)
WOW Sports
This creative company produces high-quality inflatable watersport products from pool toys and slides to lake rafts and lounge chairs. The Stand Up Paddleboard line offers fun for the entire family with water-balanced stability and versatility for riders of all levels. Embark on a paddling adventure with the six-inch thick Genesis Inflatable SUP that includes a built-in cupholder and the WOW-SOUND speakers add-on feature. ($699.99)
Garmin
The perfect gift for water junkies, this high-end solar-powered dive watch is an environmentally friendly smartwatch made with recycled ocean-bound plastics. Measure your performance, track stats, and browse more than 30 built-in sports apps and advanced training features. ($649.99)
Lumitec
Brighten up your loved one’s holiday — literally — with a new shiny LED light for the boat. Choose from Lumitec’s top underwater lights including Zambezi surface mounts, the SeaBlaze Typhoon Through-Hull with more than 10,000 lumens for large yachts or the mini version for smaller vessels. The innovative internal relay simplifies wiring and reduces installation costs. (Prices vary)
Qoolife
Perfect for the adventurer, this bright yellow submersible, waterproof dry bag comes with a built-in Bluetooth speaker and integrated multi-colored LED light to use as an outdoor light. The 20L roll top dry sack is floatable, solar powered and keeps items dry in any weather condition or wet situation. ($46.99)
Surfer Dudes
If your child is too small to surf the ocean waves, this water toy is the next best thing! Take Surfer Dude on any beach vacation and just toss him into a wave, and he will catch it every time — magically surfing right back to you. The durable material allows for hours of fun in the sun. ($19.99 - $24.99)
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Lakesurf
Combine two of kids’ favorite water activities in one with Slide Island — the water mat that transforms into a slide! Easily pump up the mat and tie it to any vessel to lounge and play, then get creative with its flexibility when you turn it upright into a slippery slide. ($699)
Fat Brain Toys
For toddlers you need to keep occupied, this building kit encourages fine motor skills, spatial reasoning and creativity while having fun around the water. The set is durable in sand and water and includes toys that can be anything imaginable from boats to doll chairs. A favorite in the set is Oogi Jr., made with silly faces, stretchy limbs and suction-cup heads. ($46.99)
Seaworthy Coffee Roasters
Let the aromas of this flavorful coffee fill the air of your cabin this holiday season by sharing the perfect coffee gift box with your seaworthy sailor. Choose from a variety of roasts and flavors including salted caramel mocha, blueberry cinnamon crumble and toasted s’mores. Assortments include the Variety Gift Box, Fair Trade & Organic Gift Box and Coffee & Merch Gift Box. ($9.49 - $46.99)
Docktail Bar
Bring the bar to the boat with the Docktail Butler table that conveniently mounts to various types of vessels. This bar holds more than just adult beverages and bottles, as its compartments fit anything from food and drinks to sunscreen and accessories. Customize it with your favorite color palettes and get the party started! ($369.97)
This area of the Caribbean offers many possibilities for cruising. You could sail up to 21 nautical miles a day and discover exceptional spots for eating, shopping and sightseeing. The best beaches on the island are found across the French and Dutch sides, featuring excellent spots for fishing, snorkeling and diving. You could cruise through the open waters and spend your days island-hopping and exploring hidden gem anchorages.
We have a host of recommendations for this trip. With so many treasures to discover on land and sea, this itinerary covers favorites including Marigot, Orient Bay, Gustavia, Anse de Colombier, Great Bay, Philipsburg, Road Bay, and Crocus Bay and stops in St. Barts and Anguilla.
Marigot is the capital of the French side of St. Martin. The waterfront is attractive, shops and boutiques are plentiful, and restaurants are known for quality French cuisine. Casual eateries also abound, as do fun bars with live entertainment.
The island of St. Martin has two spellings, because half of it is French (St. Martin) and the other half is Dutch (St. Maarten). More than 1 million visitors arrive every year to enjoy duty-free retail, idyllic beaches, luxury hotels and casinos.
The annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta in March and Classic Yacht Regatta in January are major events. Full-service marinas in Simpson Bay and Simpson Bay Lagoon always bustle with activity, and superyachts are everywhere. Marine parks on the island offer superb swimming, diving and snorkeling.
On the northwest coast along the Anguilla Channel lies Grand Case, a showpiece destination with a 1.6 km-long beach overlooking a turquoise lagoon. Relax in a lounge chair with a cocktail, snorkel among colorful fish or gaze at breath-taking sunsets. Gourmet restaurants and bars along the main street serve delicacies featuring cuisines from around the globe.
Where to Dock: Marina Fort-Louis
Estimated Mileage: 9 – 10 NM
On the northeast coast, yachting in Orient Bay is popular among boaters cruising the northern Leeward Islands. Aside from its white-sand beach, plethora of watersports, kite surfing, windsurfing and kayaking, and many restaurants and boutiques, the bay has a quiet side as well. A lively nightlife attracts many guests, but a relaxing evening aboard in a scenic anchorage is also a favorite pastime. The only caveat is that Orient Bay can be difficult to enter in certain conditions, so careful attention is warranted.
Îlet Pinel is mostly secluded, but you find beachside shacks to rent windsurfing and other watersports equipment. Snacks and sodas are available, and a few restaurants and shops are in walking distance of the dinghy docks. On Green Cay, nude sunbathing is popular on the eastern stretch of Orient Beach; elsewhere, swimsuits are in vogue.
About 2 miles northeast of St. Martin is a tiny uninhabited island called Tintamarre that’s a day tripper’s delight. It once served as a cotton plantation and small local airline, but the 250-acres of land is now part of the Nature Reserve. Bring your own provisions and snorkel gear, because no restaurants or shops are on-site. Instead, visitors find one gorgeous beach with a shipwreck offshore and another with a lagoon and coral reef that’s teeming with aquatic life. Coastal cliffs add to its untouched beauty.
Where to Dock: Anse Marcel Marina
Estimated Mileage: 25 NM
The main port of entry on St. Barts is the scenic and chic harbor of Gustavia, tucked away on the south side of the island. Snug and protected, this harbor attracts wealthy superyacht owners. Boutiques displaying famous designer wear and jewelry vie for space with restaurants specializing in French cuisine, though casual dining places also line the picturesque streets.
The red roofs of many buildings give Gustavia a distinct character. Some call it the “Riviera of the Caribbean.” A hike up the hills to the lighthouse at Fort Gustav is well worth it for the views of the surrounding islands or climb the steps up Fort Karl for more exceptional scenery.
St. Barts (St. Barthélemy) is a relatively small island popular for the French allure of Gustavia. A mix of boutiques, art galleries and fine dining attract visitors at the base of lush green hills. The quiet, charming anchorage at Anse de Colombier is off the beaten track, promising a restful night in an exquisite setting. The pristine beach curves along the shore, perfect for swimming and sunbathing, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Where to Dock: Port de Gustavia Marina
Estimated Mileage: 4 – 5 NM
Scenic and well protected, this horse- shoe-shaped bay at St. Barts’ western tip is popular among cruisers for its beauty, beach and snorkeling. Steep hills overlook blue waters, where you discover a multi- tude of yachts at anchor. On the southern hill sits a house built by the Rockefeller family, who once owned Anse de Colom- bier. Now, it’s part of the St. Barts Marine Reserve. Its bay has no road access, but a trail leads up the hills to the village of Anse de Flamands.
Snorkeling is good all around the bay. In calm conditions, the rocks surrounding Île Petit Jean offer a great place to snorkel and scuba dive. Just south is an inlet that sea turtles and rays call home. At the north end of the beach, stairs lead to the top of the hills and a scenic trail that meanders through patches of fragrant lilies and cactuses. A few shops are in the village.
Where to Dock: Anse de Colombier anchorage
Estimated Mileage: 19 – 20 NM
Philipsburg, capital of Dutch St. Maarten, is a busy place with all the amenities a boater could want. Marinas, a long boardwalk, waterfront restaurants, casinos, watersports and energetic nightlife make Great Bay cruising an adventure on the island.
Tucked between the Great Bay and Great Salt Pond, the town is decked out in vibrant colors and unique architecture from the homes and churches to the iconic courthouse. A quest to learn about the local culture leads guests to the Sint Maarten National Heritage Museum, Fort Amsterdam, art galleries, live music and more.
Where to Dock: Dock Maarten anchorage
Estimated Mileage: About 15 NM
North of St. Martin lies the British island of Anguilla. Road Bay, the main port of entry, offers one of the nicest anchorages in the Northern Leewards. A sugar-sand beach runs along the shore, where casual restaurants and bars await. Laid-back and unpretentious is the rule on Anguilla, one of the chief appeals of yachting here.
During your visit, enjoy the restaurants and bars with lively music. The island is large, with small hamlets and interesting shops and eateries spread out along quiet roads. The main settlement is The Valley, fantastic beaches are everywhere, renting a car for an island tour is easy, and birdwatching is excellent at Cauls Pond. Don’t miss diving excursions to the reefs with guides showing the best spots, including the seven wrecks sunk on the reef to create a habitat for tropical fish and coral. Anguilla is known as the wreck dive capital of the Leeward Islands.
With beautiful beaches, numerous coves and bays, and a marine park, Anguilla is relaxed Caribbean charm at its best. The mix of quiet anchorages and towns with tropical amenities has long attracted boaters. Snorkeling on the reefs among tropical fish is excellent, and scuba diving on the wrecks is some of the best in the Caribbean. Dives off Sandy Island and the Prickly Pear Cays are popular. The anchorage off Crocus Bay, on Anguilla’s north shore, is protected, calm and stunning.
Where to Dock: Road Bay Sandy Ground Village or Rendezvous Bay anchorages
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Estimated Mileage: 19 – 20 NM
Cruising Crocus Bay brings you to a secluded anchorage with colorful 70-foot cliffs rising from sun-kissed beaches. Snorkeling is outstanding from Pelican Point in Crocus Bay, and the beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Just north is Little Bay, which has day use moorings. Birds, including lots of pelicans, are plentiful and fun to watch.
The main settlement on Anguilla is within walking distance of the beach at Crocus Bay. The Savannah Art Gallery, which you pass on the way, has a selection of unique paintings to admire or buy.
Where to Dock: Crocus Bay
ITINERARY PROVIDED BY MOORINGS CHARTERS
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A friend of mine recently replaced all 12 of the AGM batteries on his boat even though they were only one year old. I asked why after only one year did he need to change his batteries? He said he wasn’t “listening” to what his boat was telling him.
As it turns out, the boat had a very extensive monitoring and sensor system and was alerting my friend, who was away from the boat for a week, that his shore power was intermittently on and off. After many of these alerts and talking to the marina staff, my friend decided it wasn’t a big deal, because it always came back on after a few minutes, so he muted the alerts.
The last alert he received was an A/C Power Off alert, and the power did not come back on for four days. With the inverter and batteries running a full load of accessories, the refrigerator and freezer, it completely drained the batteries beyond their ability to recover fully.
Monitoring systems for boats are designed to keep you informed about the performance of critical systems and components on your vessel. Sensors monitor engine and generator temperatures, A/C power, heating and cooling, fire control systems, access control and almost anything that is electrical, mechanical or has a temperature. Sensors have come a long way, and with the ability to communicate across most networks and communication channels, it’s up to the smart boater to choose what they want and need to monitor.
Monitoring systems and sensors can alert and communicate with you while you’re on the boat through audible alerts or show up on the boat’s monitor screens and multifunction displays. This is ideal if you are on board and able to hear and see what’s going on.
Monitoring systems can also communicate through cellular connections via text messages, email or voice call if you are away from your boat for a day or extended periods of time. Sensors that monitor temperature, high water bilge alarms, humidity and access points are good for this use.
Many insurance companies may also provide a discount if using these monitoring systems allows for high water, electrical, fire, heat/ freeze monitoring and location alerts to ensure the boat is safe while you are away.
By providing the smart boater with real-time information about the performance of the boat’s systems and components, monitoring systems can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly breakdowns or accidents, and most important, help you have a fun cruising season.
To select the right sensors and system for your boat, smart boaters need to review the things they want to track and decide if the system needs to track systems while they are on board or away. Selecting a system that does both alerts to a central monitor while on board and remote communications is the best option, if needed.
Systems like Maretron (maretron.com) and Gost (gostglobal.com) are high-end systems that take some work integrating into your boat’s systems but provide a great solution. Other systems like Siren Marine (sirenmarine.com) use all wireless sensors and can be set up by most boaters and use an Apple or Android app to monitor the sensors. Another option, Roam Devices, provides a monitoring solution that tracks bilge pump activity, battery levels, high water alarms, hatch and temperature sensors.
As my friend found out with the shore power, it’s important before selecting the sensors and deciding to monitor hundreds of things, you need to manage and handle the communications from your monitoring system, which can also be very noisy. A monitoring system that isn’t managed and monitored is useless. My recommendation to boaters is to think about the intended use of the system and the purpose and function of each sensor.
Below is a list of recommended sensors to start with that most monitoring systems support.
Security Services
• Location Services: Some systems use geo-fencing to alert if the boat leaves a designated area, which helps in theft prevention.
• Door, Window and Hatch Sensors: Sensors placed on access points alert owners, whether on board or away, that certain accesses have been opened and also tell owners before getting underway that a hatch or window was left open.
• Digital Switching Control: For boats equipped with digital switching, owners can turn on and off lights, A/C or heat, and other important items with digital switching.
Boat Critical Components
• Bilge Pump and High-Water Alarms: Alerts for bilge pump operations can indicate excessive water intake or potential failure of the pump system. • Shore Power Alerting: Tells when shore power is on or off.
• Engine Data: Sensors can monitor engine performance, including speed and fuel efficiency, to ensure optimal operation.
• Maintenance Requirements: Sensors can track the condition of various boat components, prompting timely maintenance to avoid breakdowns. Sensors monitoring water flow from pumps/impellers, vacuum monitoring will alert owners to trends that show aging of components.
• Battery Voltage: Monitoring the voltage of starter and house batteries ensures they are charged and functioning properly.
• Temperature Monitoring: Sensors can measure air and temperature to prevent damage from freezing conditions.
Regardless of the depth and complexity of the system you choose, the proper installation, regular checks and real time monitoring are vital to ensure these sensors function correctly and provide reliable data. Smart boaters don’t ignore the system put in place to tell what’s going on with your boat.
Marina Manager
Fernandina Harbor Marina, Fernandina Beach, FL
How long have you been at the marina and what brought you here?
I’ve been at the marina since 2013 with a brief time away after Hurricane Matthew in 2016. My dad and grandmother were from Fernandina Beach, my husband and I both graduated from Fernandina Beach High School, and so did our two boys. We’re kind of dug in!
Where do you send people for an authentic dining experience?
We have amazing restaurants at our doorstep. One of my favorites is Salty Pelican for the food and view of the marina.
If you could spend a day on the water with anyone, who would it be?
My family and our two crazy dogs.
What book do you believe every boater should read and why?
Chapman Piloting and Seamanship — no relation.
What is your favorite water activity or hobby?
Tagging along on tournaments — when I’m lucky enough!
Describe yourself in three words.
Honest, dedicated, curious.
What is the nicest compliment a boater said about your marina?
We receive an annual card from a special boater who always thanks the crew for their friendly help and warm hospitality.
What is the number one attraction you recommend for visitors to your area?
Go to the beach! Either Cumberland, Amelia or Boneyard Beach.
What is your favorite part of the day at the marina?
Late afternoons when the boats start coming in, things get busy and fun. That and the sunsets.
The barrier islands that dot the Atlantic Coast from Virginia to Florida are a favorite of boaters, boarders and beachcombers. You find islands in all shapes and sizes, and they each have unique attributes and attractions.
For sheer scenic beauty, it’s hard to beat Georgia’s Golden Isles, a group of four islands — Little St. Simons, Sea Island, St. Simons and Jekyll Island — clustered near the mainland city of Brunswick. This is Lowcountry charm at its best, and there’s no better way to experience it than by spending a relaxing weekend winding through these laid-back locales, visiting some of the area’s award-winning marinas, relaxing on beautiful beaches and enjoying some authentic Southern hospitality and cuisine.
“The Golden Isles are a “must” destination for boaters because of their stunning natural beauty, rich history and a variety of protected waterways that are perfect for exploration,” says Michael Torras, manager at nearby Brunswick Landing Marina, located five miles from the Intracoastal Waterway in the heart of downtown Brunswick. Here’s a sample itinerary for cruising these picturesque seaside ports.
Little St. Simons Island to Sea Island
9 – 10 NM
Privately owned and accessible only by boat, Little St. Simons Island’s main attraction is the Lodge on Little St. Simons, a rustic eco-lodge originally built as a hunting retreat. This unique property provides guests with a natural getaway “to nourish the body and soul,” and it’s one of only two destinations in the United States awarded a Benchmarked Certificate by Green Globe 21, a global certification organization dedicated to sustainable tourism.
A favorite of bird watchers, The Lodge can accommodate up to 32 guests nightly, and a staff of naturalists is available for guided tours. Other activities include kayaking, bicycling, hiking and fishing.
Continuing south, Sea Island is restricted to homeowners and guests of the Sea Island Resort. Accommodations for visitors include The Cloister, a Forbes five-star luxury property with pool, restaurants (Georgian Rooms and Tavola are top-notch) and private beach access. The Lodge is a 43-room boutique hotel with an array of amenities that includes two championship golf courses, three restaurants and 24-hour private butler service.
Where to Dock: Hampton River Marina
Sea Island to Jekyll Island
7 – 8 NM
The largest of the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island is home to the award-winning Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles, voted one of the best large marinas in Marinalife’s annual readers’ poll.
“You might say we’re the gateway for the coastal cruiser to explore the Golden Isles,” notes Morningstar regional manager Chris Ferguson, calling the area “one of the most beautiful and serene environments one could ever find, accompanied by true Southern hospitality.” Ferguson says the marina offers 1,100 feet of transient dockage and wet slips that can accommodate vessels up to 56 feet. Amenities include an on-site swimming pool, restaurant, coffee shop, ship’s store, fuel and full- service mechanic.
Visitors to St. Simons Island can enjoy its numerous beaches, as well as golf, watersports, fishing, nature trails, shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Also check out the Maritime Center Museum, the St. Simons Lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Frederica. Hungry? Try the Georgia Sea Grill, Delaney’s Bistro, or Colt & Alison.
Heading south to Jekyll Island, four distinctive beaches dot the eastern shore: Driftwood Beach, Great Dunes, Glory Beach and St. Andrews Beach. They say that Driftwood Beach may not be the most famous beach in the Golden Isles, but it’s easily the most photographed, particularly at sunrise.
At MM 685 on the ICW you’ll find Jekyll Harbor Marina, named one of the best small marinas in the United States. “Our staff and customers are what make us an award winner,” says marina owner Zac Gilbert. “From the time you arrive until the time you leave, we make you feel at home.”
This 50-slip property accommodates vessels up to 150 feet and offers a marina store, fish-cleaning station, restaurant and fuel dock, plus complimentary golf carts and bike rentals to explore Jekyll Island’s 22 miles of scenic bike trails. “Our little island paradise offers rich history, laid-back atmosphere, great local seafood, beautiful wildlife, award winning beaches — what’s not to love?” adds Gilbert.
Doing an overnighter? The Jekyll Island Club is one of the most exclusive resorts in America. Featuring three distinct accommodation experiences, a trio of 18-hole golf courses, seven restaurants, private pool, beaches, conference center and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, among other amenities, the club calls to mind an era when opulence was the order of the day.
Where to Dock: Morningstar Marinas Golden Isles, St. Simons Island; Jekyll Harbor Marina, Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island to Brunswick
9 NM
After a couple days of exploring the islands, come ashore and enjoy Brunswick and its Victorian-era Old Town Historic District. Founded in 1771, this quaint city lays claim to inventing Brunswick Stew, a tomato-based concoction containing various types of lima beans, corn, okra and other vegetables, as well as types of meat. For a taste of this local favorite, try the Marshside Grill or Willie Jewel’s Old School Bar-B-Q, or for the ultimate stew experience, check out the Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee in January.
The city is also home to Brunswick Landing Marina, voted the #1 large marina by Marinalife readers. “Brunswick Landing Marina fits seamlessly into the local island environment with its eco- friendly practices, top-notch amenities and welcoming atmosphere,” says marina manager Michael Torras. “We’ve earned awards for exceptional customer service, well-maintained facilities and commitment to sustainability.”
Located just off Georgia’s East River, this full-service marina offers 373 wet slips, 100 dry slips, boat repair and concierge services, security guards, laundry, lounges, a fitness center and propane grills on every dock.
Nearby Newcastle Street offers an array of shops and restaurants, including top-rated spots like Little Zooks (for craft cocktails or a glass of wine), Indigo Coastal Shanty (American/Caribbean/ Mexican fusion) and Nautica Joe’s Cafe (lunchtime sandwiches, salads and burgers).
Where to Dock: Brunswick Landing Marina
Florida’s Panhandle is legendary for long white-sand beaches, warm Gulf waters, and interesting bays and waterways leading to fish shacks, old Florida trees, and a relaxed vibe. With nicknames from the Emerald Coast to the Forgotten Coast, the Panhandle is part bustling beach resorts, part rustic and unspoiled.
We discovered two Panhandle places that couldn’t be more different: Destin and Apalachicola. One is discovered, developed and highly entertaining; the other is old-school, salty and authentic. Both are delightful and ideal for visiting boaters. You can also drive this Panhandle coast along Florida’s historic northwest highways.
Coming off the Great Loop to the confluence of five rivers called the Alabama Amazon, you boat into the head of Mobile Bay. The resurgent city of Mobile is worth a visit — including a must-tour of the USS Alabama at Battleship Memorial Park among other historic sites — before heading southeast to Pensacola and beyond.
Departing Mobile Bay, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) crosses the Flora-Bama state line at Perdido Key, and you enter Big Lagoon, approaching Pensacola Bay. Pensacola is a strategic boaters’ stopover, home to the Blue Angels that often fly overhead in spectacular formations. (Google their practice schedule!)
You can dock or moor the night at the lovely Pensacola Yacht Club on the bay’s north end. More marinas like Seville Harbour Marina are close to downtown if you don’t have yacht club reciprocity. The Pensacola “Go Retro” Trolley Tour offers a nice, narrated ride around cheerful downtown Pensacola with a dozen interesting stops. Hop on or hop off at your leisure. Pensacola’s 1859 Lighthouse is your 177 stair-master to magnificent views of the Gulf.
Boating Pensacola to Destin along the GIWW, you appreciate why the Panhandle is called The Emerald Coast, given the gorgeous color of the sea lapping the sugar-white sand. Destin’s HarborWalk Marina is an option to dock in a lively and fun atmosphere, touristy but cool. We had our sights on Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort just 10 nautical miles farther, under the Mid-Bay Toll Bridge.
Docked amid impressive yachts, you are just steps from Baytowne Wharf ’s Disney-esque village of 20 island-themed restaurants and shops. You are within Sandestin’s gated 2,400-acre resort community, exclusive to visiting boaters, guests and residents. Manicured grounds are busy with vacationing families staying in high-rise hotels, homes and condos. Sandestin has miles of shady bike paths (bike rentals available) around the planned neighborhoods, leading to the big attraction: beautiful Miramar Beach.
We hopped in a rented golf cart to explore Sandestin and provision at Grand Boulevard’s Publix. This plaza is loaded with upscale shops. We also enjoyed happy hour at Vin’tij food and wine bar, and the following evening at Tommy Bahamas Bar that’s attached to the island-attire store.
The next morning, we played early golf at Baytowne, one of Sandestin’s four golf courses, and I scored a shocking hole-in- one on the par-three Hole #7! Thankfully, it was 9:00 a.m., and the bar wasn’t open yet, or I’d have to buy drinks for everyone.
Evenings back at Baytowne Marina, live music floats around the village. We liked the tiki-atmosphere at the Marina Bar & Grill, ideally situated for spectacular sunsets over the bay and boats. If you have time in Destin, grab a cab to nearby Grayton Beach and the cutesy contrived resort towns of Watercolor, Alys and Rosemary Beach. These modern beach hamlets along Scenic 30A offer beach-chic shopping and pastel cafes amid cookie- cutter whitewashed architecture modeled after Europe’s Riviera. It honestly feels more like a fictitious film set for The Truman Show, which was filmed in nearby Seaside in 1998.
Departing Sandestin and heading south on Choctawhatchee Bay to Port Washington, you enter Florida’s “Grand Canyon.” This narrow man-made waterway is very rural, and you can idle for miles without seeing civilization, just dolphins! You pop out in Panama City’s West Bay. Continue to Grand Lagoon — no need to visit the heart of busy commercial Panama City.
If you’re driving, buzz through this section as quickly as stop lights allow. Point South Marina Bay is a pleasant marina, with services and a ship’s store, across from St. Andrew State Park. You’re near a Marriott in walking distance to several local seafood spots. Spend just one night here (switching your clock from Central to Eastern Time Zone), before your next leg to Apalachicola, a favorite of ours.
Heading from Panama to East Bay to Wetappo, you’re soon cruising another skinny dredged section of the GIWW to Lake Wimico. It’s easily navigable and rural with lots of wildlife along the way. Once across Lake Wimico, you enter the Apalachicola River. By taking this inner passage, you bypass Mexico City (still rebuilding after 2018 Hurricane Michael’s pounding), and shortcut St. Joseph Peninsula and the Cape San Blas horn.
Apalachicola is the quaintest region we encountered on our Florida’s northwest coast tour. It’s dubbed “The Forgotten Coast,” because Destin and the Western Panhandle promoted themselves as “The Emerald Coast,” neglecting to mention this entire section. Locals here were salty, so they trademarked “The Forgotten Coast,” which now sounds idyllic compared to Sandestin’s huge and bougie planned resort. Apalachicola, which translates to “land of the friendly people on the other side,” is the antithesis.
Folks jokingly call this the “Redneck Riviera,” because this stretch of the Panhandle is Old-Florida where fishing, oystering and shrimping are vital, and the villages are far more rustic. It’s scenically beautiful, down-to-earth-friendly and fun!
Dock at Apalachicola City Wharf in the heart of town, tied off to the boardwalk in view of the restored shrimp and cotton warehouses. Check in with the Harbormaster, who is also the Chief of Police, and oversees the City Docks at Battery Park by the big scenic John Gradie Bridge 98. Scipio Creek Marina offers full services farther up the creek by Half Shell Dockside restaurant with a fun outdoor patio and bar overlooking the tour boats and transients.
From either marina, take a short walk to Apalachicola’s Market Street, the postcard-pretty downtown dating to 1813. This pleasant community was once the third busiest port on the Gulf of Mexico for sea sponge, fishing net, shrimp, oyster and cotton industries. Evidence of tremendous trade remains along the waterfront, and warehouses now host unique boutiques.
Historic merchants’ mansions dot walkable tree-lined avenues, like the 1838 Raney House that was open for us to tour. At this lovely Greek Revival home, we learned how “cotton was king” in the 19th century when steamboats shipped cotton from upriver to be traded here for worldly goods.
Given Apalachicola’s seafaring heritage, we were eager to lunch on local fare at Hole in the Wall. This old-school eatery roasts the most-fresh oysters — not fancy, served in paper-lined baskets at communal tables. Apalachicola has a dozen invitingly casual restaurants. Later we flew into Owl Tap Room for happy hour perched at the Victorian bar and had a hoot with locals. High Five Bar or the Yacht Club are great for live music — and no, this yacht club isn’t fancy nor is it a private prestigious club.
Browse the Tin Shed Nautical & Antiques shop, a crazy hodge-podge of marine antiques, sea sponges and pirate treasures. If you are looking to lodge a night off the boat, stay at the 1907 Gibson Inn, where the pine floors creak and the cypress walls speak of a more gentile time at this crown jewel. Guests tool around town in complimentary bikes.
Our morning’s fresh-roasted coffee and home-baked croissants at Apalachicola Chocolate & Coffee Company were perfect before shoving off. We vowed to return for a seafood festival in Apalachicola. While nouveau and trendy destinations are fun, we love friendly and authentic, and Destin and Apalachicola created an entertaining dichotomy. It was “the best of times” discovering the tale of two Panhandle cities.
Harbour Island, also called Briland by the island’s residents, was formerly the capital of The Bahamas and is home to one of the oldest towns in the country. Aside from being the seat of power, the island’s only municipality, Dunmore Town, was known for sugar refinement, ship building and rum making. Some vestiges of the island’s history are the famed “hill steps” or staircases hewn from stone by early inhabitants.
It is known for a three-mile-long, famous Pink Sand Beach. The stunning color is caused by an abundance of single-celled creatures with red or pink shells that play a vital role in the ecosystem. The pink tones are best observed in the early morning and turn a gorgeous purplish hue at dusk.
The island itself is small, often referred to in conjunction with Eleuthera, the larger island to the southwest that forms the harbor. Golf carts are the main mode of transportation here, and you can rent them in Dunmore Town. By cart, it only takes five minutes to cross the island and 25 minutes to do a complete circuit. This petite size helps you focus on the island’s highlights—beautiful beaches, Dunmore Town and island hopping.
To immerse yourself in the Harbour Island experience, you can use a custom concierge service like Conch & Coconut to help you arrange everything from provisioning to private boat charters for island hopping with a local captain. They can also arrange a chic pink golf cart rental, so you can explore the island on your own and check out Fort Point, a popular swimming spot to enjoy the sunset views. Don’t forget to pack your cooler with a unique local beverage called Pink Sands Seltzer.
954-463-4519
The largest full-service marina on Harbour Island, Valentines can host vessels up to 180 feet. Facilities include luxury lodging accommodations, an on-site dive center, and waterfront dining at the Rooster Tail Bar & Grille serving Bahamian and international dishes.
Briland Club Residences & Marina
833-922-2802
Set on tranquil protected waters with direct access to the Caribbean Sea, the mega-yacht marina provides full-service provisions for the world’s most discerning yacht owners. The marina is a quintessential destination for The Bahamas and hosts vessels up to 300 feet.
242-333-2285
A cozy coffee shop with a relaxed atmosphere, Cocoa Coffee House is perfect for a light breakfast or lunch. They serve fresh pastries, coffee, smoothies and sandwiches, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
242-333-2770
Located on the bayside of the island, this restaurant serves a contemporary menu made with local produce and just caught seafood. With an emphasis on fresh and quality ingredients, the chef of 26 years consistently garners top reviews.
242-333-3811
This casual Bahamian seafood restaurant is a family owned, beachfront establishment that features a favorite island dish, conch salad (also known as Caribbean ceviche). The relaxed atmosphere and beach setting make it a perfect place for an enjoyable meal.
242-333-2950
This chic, modern spot offers a unique fusion of Japanese and Bahamian flavors. Specializing in fresh sushi and sashimi, the menu is accompanied by an extensive wine list. Perfect for a leisurely lunch or a stylish midday break, this spot is popular with those seeking a different bite to eat on the island.
The Dunmore Clubhouse Restaurant
877-891-3100
The menu of this elegant restaurant leans local island and Mediterranean inspired. Fresh seafood and regional ingredients are the spotlight of each plate, and their signature cocktails are the flawless complement to any dish.
To savor the essence of Harbour Island, enjoy Pink Sand Spirits & Seltzers, a new spirits and seltzers brand exclusively available in the Bahamas and inspired by the island itself. Whether you’re sipping a refreshing seltzer at the beach or enjoying a craft cocktail at a beachside bar, Pink Sand captures the unique spirit and flavor of this enchanting destination.
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Florida is without doubt an endless playground of welcoming water, soft sand and blue sky with more than enough things to do to keep visitors busy. After multiple visits to the kingdom, the studios and the garden, it’s time to ramp up the creativity when your family gathers and explore some of the off-the-guidebook places both the young and the young again can enjoy.
Jacksonville
The mission of Catty Shack Ranch, a favorite of national and international visitors, is to provide a safe, loving environment to endangered big cats. In addition to offering a life-long home to the great cat species, the facility and volunteers educate visitors and supporters about the resident animals. Tours begin with an introductory video explaining the ranch’s history. During a self-guided walk around the grounds, volunteers share facts about each species on view, along with the dangers they face in the wild...and in captivity. Current residents include tigers, lions, pumas, leopards, lynx, foxes and coatimundis (the last two species being “honorary cats”).
Cape Canaveral
For over 100 years, The Wizard of Oz has been enchanting audiences of all ages. After a welcome greeting by the 12-foot Tin Man, step onto the Yellow Brick Road and into a magical world at this new museum featuring 2,000+ iconic memorabilia items. Delve into the captivating history behind the timeless MGM movie, see original film props, and take photos with life-size Oz characters. On display are original first editions of 40 Oz titles and the first known pre-publication copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, published in May 1900. In the Immersive Oz Experience, guests are part of the Tornado scene, Munchkinland and the Witches’ Castle, and then can skip down the Yellow Brick Road to party with Oz citizens inside Emerald City.
Cocoa Beach
It’s called the Space Coast or Treasure Coast, but the stretch of sand from Cocoa Beach south to Fort Pierce deserves the name Surf Coast. Waves are decent along the shoreline and just the right size for beginners, making it a blast for all ages. Home of Kelly Slater, widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all time, Cocoa Beach has earned a reputation as the East Coast Surfing Capital. The 800-foot Cocoa Beach Pier, which sports a sculpture of a surfboard with a wave curling overhead, is a central surf spot. If the kids are eager to hang 10, sign them up for lessons. Several surf schools in the area such as Cocoa Beach Surf School, have experienced instructors who provide training in all aspects of the sport including basic board skills and water safety.
Sarasota
Multiple displays and gardens are guaranteed to keep all ages engaged. The Howard Bros. Circus Model, consisting of more than 42,000 pieces spread over 3,800 sq. ft., is a historically accurate rendition of an early 20th century circus. Marvel at the logistical engineering required to move an entire tented city from town to town each day. The Greatest Show on Earth® Gallery has a collection of wardrobes, performing props, circus equipment and parade wagons. Think you can walk the tightrope, balance horseback, or squeeze into a clown car? Several interactive galleries allow you to try just that!
Tampa
Spend quality family time while introducing the younger set to “real” music during the Florida Orchestra’s Classical Kids performances. The program offers a limited number of free tickets to its Masterworks shows for children ages five to 18, accompanied by a paying adult. In addition, the orchestra’s pop-up concerts, Instrument Petting Zoo (yes, touching is allowed!) and semi-annual Pops in the Park concerts are great ways for families to experience and enjoy classical music.
Anna Maria Island
This Gulf Coast barrier island is an incredible place to relax, unwind and mingle with the locals away from the hustle of traditional tourist attractions. One of the most magical experiences on Anna Maria Island is horseback riding in the surf. Even if you’ve never been in the saddle, this is an activity all ages can enjoy. Ride along the beach through shallow waters to a sandbar; on the return, your horse may swim. Many of the horses are rescues with fascinating histories specifically trained to provide a safe, relaxing ride as they walk the shoreline. Multiple local tour companies have experienced staff members to show you the ropes before they hand you the reins such as C Ponies located in Bradenton.
St. Petersburg
Multiple areas on the new St. Pete Pier offer options for the whole group. At the nautical-themed Glazer Family Playground, the young ones can burn off energy by sliding, swinging, climbing and more. The Museum of History offers unique exhibits for teens: The Odditorium has a two-headed calf and a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy; the Flight One Gallery has a working replica of the Benoist XIV airboat; and Schrader’s Little Cooperstown sports the world’s largest collection of baseballs. Between activities, cool off at Majeed Foundation Splash Pad, an interactive fountain and splash pad with vertical water jets. Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center is a must-see for people of all ages, offering interactive exhibits, video presentations, a touch tank and docent-led tours. Overall, the complex is a fun exPIERience.
Fort Walton Beach
Heritage Park & Cultural Center, which houses the Indian Temple Mound, also includes the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Garnier Post Office Museum, and the Civil War Exhibit Building. A big plus for families is that one admission price covers all four museums! The prehistoric temple mound was built as a ceremonial and political center by the Mound Builder culture between 800-1400 A.D. and is thought to be the largest prehistoric earthwork on the Gulf. Standing 12 feet tall and measuring 223 feet across its base, it’s estimated 200,000 basket loads of earth were used to create this structure.
Panama City Beach
WonderWorks is an amusement park for the mind with 29,000 square feet of “edu-tainment.” An experiment gone wrong lifted this once top-secret laboratory from the Bermuda Triangle to Panama City Beach where it landed upside down. With the ceiling under your feet and the ground above your head, WonderWorks will literally turn your world upside down. Pass through the inversion tunnel to realign yourself and begin an adventure through six Wonder Zones for loads of family fun! Feel the power of 74 mph winds in the Hurricane Shack, experience zero gravity in an astronaut-training gyro and then, nail it by lying on the death– defying Bed of Nails. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, you find something challenging for every age.
Pensacola
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just a family in search of high-flying fun, “The Blues” show is a heart-thumping display of high-speed passes, slow rolls and very tight turns. The highest speed is 700 m.p.h. — just under Mach 1! Blue Angel pilots visit the National Naval Aviation Museum to meet fans, answer questions and sign autographs after their Wednesday practice flights. The museum is one of the largest in the world with more than 4,000 artifacts and 150+ beautifully restored aircraft. Experience the thrill of flight in the simulators and catch all the drama in the Giant Screen Digital Theater.
When you cruise to Florida this fall, you can catch the tail end of baseball and the kickoff of football season, but other regional sports are also worth the price of admission. Some are high octane sports that leave you marveling at displays of exceptional athleticism; others are nuance sports measured in inches and require strategies that feel like a chess game on a grassy lawn. All of them reflect the diverse societal influences that make Florida a splendid melting pot of sports and cultures.
Faster than a baseball pitch, golf swing or a tennis serve, jai-alai balls are flung at speeds ranging from 160-180 m.p.h., with the fastest on record hitting 204 m.p.h. Think racquet ball ramped up on steroids. Players wear a long, curved wicker basket glove on one hand to hurl balls at rates that can shatter bullet-proof glass around a three-walled indoor court called a fronton.
Originating in the Basque region of Spain centuries ago, the game is popular worldwide especially in Spain, France, Latin America and the Philippines. It was introduced to America at the 1904 World’s Fair and reached its heyday in Florida and New England in the 1940s and ‘50s, attracting thousands of spectators from high-roller gamblers to Miami’s social elite. While today’s popularity of the sport has dropped off, you can watch professional jai-alai players at the Dania Beach Invitational Tournament on November 29, 2024, or catch Miami’s spring season that starts in early February. Amateur leagues are found throughout St. Petersburg, Miami and south Florida.
Pétanque falls into the “boule” category of games where balls are tossed at a target ball. They date back to ancient Rome and were popular throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. Pétanque was invented in 1907 in the French town of La Ciotat by a boule player named Jules Lenoir whose rheumatism prevented him from running before he threw the ball. For him the rules were changed, requiring pétanque players to stand inside a circle that’s 20 inches in diameter while pitching balls toward the target ball. It’s like the French cousin of Italian bocce played with smaller metal balls on a hard dirt or gravel surface.
After pétanque spread to Western Europe and the French colonies, it arrived in America in the 20th century and found an enthusiastic fan base in Florida. The largest tournament in the Americas takes place at the Pétanque Amelia Island Open (Nov. 15-17, 2024) and draws thousands of players and spectators. To watch or join a pétanque match while visiting Florida, consult the American Pétanque Directory listing of about 30 local clubs, courts or resorts where games are played.
The thunderous sound of horses galloping down the field at up to 40 m.p.h. and the athletic skills of men and women clutching a horse’s reins while whacking a three-inch ball with a mallet, makes polo a sport that everyone should experience at least once. What began thousands of years ago to train Persian cavalry men for war has spanned the globe and forged a stronghold of fans in Florida.
In 1954, Florida’s first polo club was established in Palm Beach, which remains a haven for equestrian sports. The Sunshine State harbors 28 polo clubs, several are in Wellington, FL, which is the epicenter for U.S. polo and home of the National Polo Center. High season runs from January to April and features a variety of tournaments from the U.S. Open Polo Championship and the Gauntlet Series of Polo. Club members and the public are welcome to attend the spacious grounds for events. Other noteworthy polo clubs are located in The Villages and Sarasota. If you get hooked on the sport, the Museum of Polo in Fort Worth, FL, is a fun stop.
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The backyard game of croquet that reminds us of summer cookouts harkens back to mid-19th century England where it was invented and then fanned out to the British colonies. Despite its growing popularity, Boston clergymen in the 1890s railed against the drinking, gambling and raucous ways that accompanied the sport, so wooden mallets were stashed away until about the 1920s. A resurgence of the sport peaked in 1977 when the United States Croquet Association was established, and the game regained international status with professional and recreational players.
Today’s six-wicket sport has evolved into highly competitive tournaments centered around the National Croquet Center in Palm Beach, FL. Its 12 sculptured lawns sprawl out over four acres of gorgeous land and present events such as the United States Croquet Association’s Golf Croquet National Open (Jan. 6-11, 2025) and various fundraisers and competitions through April. The Center also welcomes visitors to learn and play the game and attracts thousands of attendees to its fall and winter events.
Fort Myers is located on the Caloosahatchee River close to the Gulf side of Florida. The 25th most populous city in the state is one of many stops on the ICW. Downtown sits high up on the riverbank, adjacent to Centennial Park, which is dotted with people fishing and enjoying the water.
Across the river from Cape Coral and up the inlet from the Gulf Islands, Fort Myers is rich in coastal preserves that are reminiscent of Old Florida ecosystems prior to the introduction of invasive species. Bunche Beach Preserve, on the San Carlos Bay, is a 718-acre beach preserve that includes beach access, mangrove forests, and salt flats with piers, boardwalk, and kayak rentals. Another fun elevated boardwalk hike is the Six Mile Cypress Slough through wetland and upland habitats and a butterfly garden.
Sanibel and Captiva, off the coast of Fort Myers, are popular island destinations and home to beautiful white sand beaches. If island hopping tickles your fancy, add shelling on Sanibel to the list.
Farther up the Caloosahatchee River is Manatee Park. When the waters of the Gulf become too cold during winter months, manatees head upstream to waters warmed by the nearby power plant. Observing them is easy in the shallow water and fun for the whole family. Other family-friendly activities include the IMAG History & Science Center, home to aquariums and other animal exhibits, interactive displays and educational presentations.
The Edison and Ford Estates are the former winter homes of inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The grounds include their laboratories, libraries and expansive botanical gardens, all just a short walk from downtown. Check the calendar to see if your visit coincides with the monthly Art Walk or Music Walk to experience the city’s cultural amenities.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
888-222-7465
Located in the San Carlos Bay, this full-service marina and luxurious resort can accommodate vessels up to 120 feet and offers multiple on-site dining options.
239-765-6677
In the heart of downtown Fort Myers, this marina offers 50 wet slips and over 150 indoor dry storage, as well as additional outdoor storage racks. On-site service technicians are available Monday-Friday.
239-221-2800
This full-service Suntex marina offers everything from transient slips and dry storage to boat clubs and rentals. The newly renovated facility boasts 70 floating docks for vessels up to 50 feet, 200 hurricane- rated indoor storage racks and amenities such as a pool, ship’s store and fuel.
239-337-4999
Think unpretentious New England fine dining with fresh local seafood that creates a memorable culinary experience. The menu has a Southern twist with dishes like etouffee, gator bites and the classic shrimp and grits.
239-561-2988
This highly acclaimed restaurant serves a gourmet Southern menu with a full bar and live music. Despite the name, they only serve breakfast on weekends. The rustic chic interior and large portions of comfort food imbue a homey atmosphere.
239-334-1687
The oldest restaurant in Fort Myers, Farmers Market Restaurant opened in 1952. The restaurant specializes in classic Southern comfort food, sourcing ingredients from the local farmer’s market. Fried fish, chicken, pork chops and gizzards are stars on the everyday menu. Be sure to check out daily specials for their barbeque.
Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant
239-489-0770
Indoor or outdoor, casual or fine dining, the choice is yours. With stunning views, live music and an extensive seafood menu, Lighthouse Restaurant hits all the marks. Thanks to heating on the 160-foot deck keeping it open year-round, this is the quintessential Florida vacation stop.
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The vibrant culture of the international art world meets the warm hospitality of Miami Beach for the 22nd year during Art Basel, December 6-8, 2024. Leading galleries from five continents display significant works by modern and contemporary art masters, as well as those of emerging notables at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
With 283 galleries and 32 first-time participants, Art Basel Miami is the largest art fair in the Americas. As the central art link between North, South and Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean, it has an inherently global impact on what comes next in the art world at large, especially in the Americas.
Art Basel is divided into several sectors, each with a specific focus from monumental art to solo presentations by artists on the rise. A significant uptick in new collectors reflects a growing segment of art buyers finding their entry point to collecting in Miami Beach. Art Basel brings art to all ages: future art lovers can visit the show’s free kindergarten and playroom while their parents (or grandparents!) walk the show.
As in the past, this year’s fair will extend well beyond the convention center with more than 25 international art fairs featuring thousands of creatives at venues across Greater Miami/Miami Beach. Enjoy concerts, art installations, parties, street art and more during these exciting days, collectively known as Art Week Miami. Satellite art fairs and galleries abound in the Miami Design District, Wynwood, Allapattah, Little Haiti, downtown and beyond.
The Miami Beach area’s three dozen world-class art museums offer an abundance of opportunities to view historically and culturally diverse works. Many of Miami’s internationally renowned institutions offer special exhibits to coincide with Art Basel. The following are notable for year-round content specific to the area.
The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is nestled in the heart of the Everglades on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation and is regarded as the global repository of more than 200,000 ancient and modern works by Seminole artists.
The American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora uses art, history and culture to create a compelling narrative that transcends borders. Its rotating exhibition gallery showcases the creations of the greatest artists of the Cuban migration.
The is a Smithsonian affiliate in downtown Miami whose mission is to share regional stories, create a sense of place and cultivate an engaged community. The large facility is home to more than 2 million images and 30,000 artifacts including a 1920s trolley and a raft that transported refugees to Miami.
The Miami Children’s Museum’s 17 galleries inspire youth to learn about themselves and the culturally diverse community they live in through art, science, literacy and early childhood education.
Wynwood Walls, the world’s leading outdoor street art museum is an ever-evolving collection of narrative-driven murals and sculptures by more than 120 world-renowned artists representing more than 25 countries. Works by groundbreaking artists are admired throughout the Wynwood Arts District neighborhood.
Dining in greater Miami can feel like taking a trip around the world with restaurant offerings as diverse as its population. Two of the newer dining hotspots offer a unique twist to the classic steakhouse sizzle.
Papi Steak Miami in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood fuses Golden Era Hollywood swagger with modern big-city energy to create an entirely new steakhouse experience. With only 93 seats, the restaurant is an intimate, high-octane destination. Its namesake, the Papi Steak, is a Tomahawk-cut with the famous Papi SteakTM Sauce that is also ordered in a “Beef Case” (think briefcase and top dollar luxury). Sip at the full bar while DJs spin tunes into the early hours.
Klaw Miami pays tribute to Florida’s long history of cattle- rearing. By partnering with local ranchers, Klaw has added Florida Cracker Cattle — one of the oldest and rarest breeds in the United States — to its selection of unique premium cuts. One supplier can trace the DNA of each of their cattle back to the original herd brought to Florida shores in 1521. Talk about aged beef!
To satisfy a beachy craving, any time is “island time” at Monty’s Raw Bar featuring seafood, island dishes and cocktails, live music, plus one of Miami’s best happy hours. Find dockage at Bayshore Landing Marina.
Come by boat to hot spot Casadonna, a coastal Italian- inspired waterfront restaurant housed in the same Mediterranean Revival building as Miami’s historic women’s club in the Edgewater neighborhood. The word Casadonna translates to “house of the woman.” Signature handcrafted dishes are based around traditional recipes found in Italian Riviera towns such as Naples and Positano.
Whatever your flavor craving, it will be satisfied in Little Havana, a friendly neighborhood exemplifying the true melting pot culture of Miami. Along with its robust Cuban influence, visitors find everything from Dominican fare to tacos to high-end sushi in the area. A scoop of Abuela Maria, made with guava and cream cheese from Little Havana Azucar Ice Cream Company, is the perfect topping to any cuisine.
Artistic creations go beyond the walls and the plate in Miami. The area’s vibrant music scene is a fusion of genres and cultures creating an electrifying atmosphere catering to all tastes. From underground warehouse raves to Vegas-style pool parties, Miami’s best clubs are downright epic.
Perhaps no Miami nightclub is more over-the-top than E11EVEN. The place has everything: acrobats, strippers, acrobatic strippers, mesmerizing light shows and even a rooftop restaurant. It’s a favorite of Hip-hop royalty — you never know who might show up for a surprise performance.
Bougainvillea’s Old Florida Tavern, aka “Bougies,” is a classic neighborhood bar tucked into a cozy old cottage in South Miami. It may look tired, but Bougie’s is bumpin’ most nights with drink specials and fun music. Friday through Sunday, local bands perform rock, reggae and classic covers in the “living room.” The backyard patio offers a respite with old-school hip-hop and a separate outdoor bar.
The Fillmore is a Lincoln Road icon, a perfectly preserved remnant from the Rat Pack era. The historic venue, at one point used for the filming of The Jackie Gleason Show, is now one of the most unique music venues in the nation where seats can be removed from the theater’s main floor to turn it into a pulsating dance club.
For a taste of the mega yacht life and maybe a slightly more sedate evening, try the Supreme Yacht Party at Bayside. For nearly a decade, Supreme Club Tours has been throwing parties in Las Vegas and Miami. Every weekend, Supreme hosts a three-hour party aboard a three-story, 100-foot mega yacht that holds up to 200 guests. This “nightclub on the ocean” has food, tables and a live DJ playing hip hop, Latin and top 40 tunes.
Fall and winter are the perfect times of year for snowbirds to head south and catch ideal weather for outdoor events. From Florida’s coastal towns to the Bahamas and Caribbean, check out these exciting fishing tournaments, music events, food festivals, cultural celebrations and more.
Palm Beach, FL, October 16 – 20
Join the fun at this women-only fishing tournament where lady anglers compete for important causes. The third annual event presents a chance to qualify for the 2024 Costa Offshore World Championship. Benefits support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Billfish Foundation.
Naples, FL, October 25 – 27
Celebrate Florida’s iconic stone crab culture at this weekend-long festival featuring live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and attractions. Located throughout the Tin City waterfront area, guests can explore shops, galleries and delicious seafood.
Fort Lauderdale, FL, October 30 – November 3
Every year around Halloween, Fort Lauderdale transforms into one of Florida’s largest boat shows. Catch seminars, fishing clinics, vendor displays and meander through the Superyacht Village. Head to the world-famous AquaZone to witness watersport demonstrations with the latest innovations. Show locations include the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Las Olas Marina and more.
Apalachicola, FL, November 1 – 2
Head to Florida’s Gulf Coast to enjoy the region’s fresh catch at this two-day festival. Food and craft vendors line the shady oaks of Battery Park overlooking the Apalachicola River where guests can participate in oyster eating and shucking contests, blue crab races, the Red Fish Run 5k and much more.
Miami, FL, November 9 – 10
Head to Miami Marine Stadium to catch Florida’s country vibe at this southern extravaganza. The star-studded lineup features headliners Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band and Diplo.
Sarasota, FL, November 29 – December 1
This festival at the Fairgrounds hosts live music, attractions and fresh seafood cooked on-site. Enjoy performances from local talent featuring R&B, blues, jazz, soul and rock genres. The arts and crafts marketplace hosts painting, ceramics, woodworking and tons of shopping.
Miami Beach, FL, December 6 – 8
This traveling art showcase hosts top-tier artists from across the globe and graces Miami Beach’s cultural scene with various exhibits. The Miami show is divided into several sectors with a specific creative focus. Miami Beach Convention Center offers private days by invitation only on December 4 – 5 and public days through the weekend, December 6 – 8.
Stuart, FL, December 11 – 14
Join sail fishing captains and anglers at Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina for a world-class tournament located on fishing grounds just 30 minutes from the docks. After the competition, celebrate at the waterfront tiki bar with cold beer, seafood and live music.
Fort Lauderdale, FL, December 14
The most famous annual Florida boat parade returns for another holiday party as guests gather to witness creative décor cruise down the 12-mile route. The live broadcast “Best Show on H20” kicks off the South Florida holiday season hosting live performances and contests.
Dominica, October 25 – 27
Experience a culmination of musical talent from the Caribbean, French Antilles, African and North American regions all in one festival at this cultural celebration. Hosted at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium, the event was originally launched to promote island tourism and has since become a staple platform to honor indigenous music.
Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, November 7 – 8
Boasting a $1.47 million payout in 2023, this prestigious fishing tournament is not to be missed! Located along the beautiful shores of Cabo San Lucas, anglers compete for best catch to win substantial prizes. Stay at a luxurious resort nearby such as IGY’s Marina Cabo San Lucas or Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa.
St. Croix, USVI, November 29 – December 1
Doubling as a celebration of the delicious fruit and the opening of Crucian Christmas holiday season, this festival is a beloved island tradition. Located on the historic Estate Bethlehem Sugar Factory site, exhibits explore the local culture by showcasing agriculture, horticulture, arts, crafts and food. cruciancoconutfestival.net
Nassau, Bahamas, December 5 – 8
This much-anticipated event brings hundreds of international sailors to the Bahamas for some of the top sloop seafaring. The regatta hosts a stellar music lineup with Bahamian entertainers and Junkanoo performances from local talent.
ARUBA CARNIVAL
November 11 – March 2
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CARNIVAL
February 26 – March 5
CURAÇAO CARNIVAL
February 28 – March 5
JAMAICA CARNIVAL
April 23 – April 29
ST. LUCIA CARNIVAL
July 1 – 23
ANTIGUA CARNIVAL
July 25 – August 5
BARBADOS CARNIVAL
July 31 – August 5
GRENADA SPICEMAS
August 6 – 13
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Mobile is home to more than 300 years of history in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta on the Gulf of Mexico. Its prime location in the state’s largest delta and wetland has made the port city a defensive stronghold, trade hub and now an easily accessible destination for boaters.
Visiting Mobile is a crash course in U.S. history come alive. Cruise from the recently discovered Clotilda wreckage, the last-known illegal slave ship to enter the United States, to the USS Alabama now enshrined at the USS Alabama Memorial Park, which not only hosts tours of the WWII ship but also vessels and machinery from other wars.
The Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail consists of more than 40 stops documenting the history of the captives that built our country. Survivors of the Clotilda and other formerly enslaved people created Africatown just north of Mobile, which is still a vibrant community and worth a visit. The trail offers self-guided and professionally guided tours that cover pre-Clotilda times through the Civil Rights and Jim Crow eras.
The European architecture of some of the city’s oldest buildings, such as the History Museum of Mobile and Cathedral Basilica, are reminiscent of our country’s early days. The Basilica was the first Catholic parish on the Gulf, built in 1850 and contains subtle homages to the community’s French Catholic origins. Check out the History Museum, with kids or without. It has an interactive children’s discovery room and exhibits covering the area’s history from pre-colonial to modern times. Admission also includes a tour of the restored Fort Condé, originally built in 1723.
Most would be surprised to know that our country’s first versions of Mardi Gras were celebrated by the secret society Masque de la Mobile in Mobile in 1703, 15 years before New Orleans was founded. It wasn’t until the 1740s that New Orleans began to have festivities like the ones we see today. Mobile has been toasting its waterfront and representing an active boating community for generations.
251-510-3385
Located in the protected harbor near Dog River, this marina has its own swath of beach with a volleyball net. Its event calendar is full of activities ranging from yoga on the river to live concerts.
251-471-5449
Visit this full-service marina with 75 slips and 1,500 feet of dockage, just 22 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. Its complex includes boat supply and accessory shops, as well as a brokerage firm.
251-479-0955
A full-service marina with a shipyard on the Dog River, this destination holds 40 slips in a protected cove.
251-432-4605
Opened in 1938, Wintzell’s is known for oysters, as they like to say “fried, stewed or nude.” The restaurant began as a six- seat oyster bar, and although it was sold by the family, the location remains aesthetically unchanged.
251-473-7872
One of Mobile’s oldest restaurants, the Dew Drop Inn is known for its famous hot dog. Otherwise, the menu is limited, but bringing or ordering your own food is allowed.
251-444-0200
Dauphin’s is located on the 34th floor of the Trustmark building overlooking Mobile Bay. The menu centers on southern French creole food with Caribbean influences. Stop by on Sunday for a jazz brunch.
251-450-0690
Known for their “Butch Burger,” one of the best burgers in Mobile, this casual sandwich joint opened in the early ‘90s and has been slinging specialty sandwiches ever since.
From small ports to luxury resorts, marinas are buzzing with news and exciting announcements. Constantly working to meet boaters’ needs from upgraded amenities to new restaurant openings, these properties continue to enhance facilities and make guests feel at home. Check out the latest happenings at the following marinas spanning coastal Florida to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
St. Augustine, FL
Windward Marine Group is taking Florida by storm with renovations and upgrades to their coastal properties. Just two miles from St. Augustine’s historical district, Camachee Cove is proud to announce its completion of the East Bulkhead project and concrete remediation project on the northeast side of the marina. The facility boasts 230 wet slips, four lift slips, high-speed fuel pumps and a service yacht yard.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
This facility offers an unparalleled boating experience that combines cutting-edge technology with luxury and convenience. The new advanced automated crane system ensures quick and safe boat storage for up to 249 boats, all within a Category 4 hurricane-rated facility designed to withstand winds up to 170 m.p.h. To elevate your experience, the marina proudly offers Admiral’s concierge services for a white-glove experience. Enjoy assistance with provisioning and discounted parts and services that ensure your boating needs are meticulously managed. The premier location provides direct access from the ICW and Atlantic Ocean and provides excellent service from proactive care to personalized attention.
Islamorada, FL
The Keys’ former Postcard Inn Resort & Marina recently reopened as the newly revamped Three Waters Resort & Marina situated along 15 acres of scenic oceanfront. The marina offers 18 transient slips accommodating vessels up to 80 feet and on-site laundry and shower facilities. Stock up on fishing supplies at Abel’s Tackle Box & General Goods, stay in an island- inspired guestroom, enjoy nine unique culinary experiences on-site and embark on a world-class fishing fleet.
Key West, FL
This hidden gem located along the Boca Chica Channel boasts a newly rebuilt outer rim. The marina consists of 33 slips ranging from 45 to 80 feet with floating finger piers, as well as hardwood decking and two tiki structures with open water views. In-slip pump out and daily ice delivery (two five-gallon buckets) is included with slip rentals. Enjoy upscale amenities and excursions such as scuba diving and ecotourism adventures.
Abaco, The Bahamas
This gorgeous resort destination located along Marsh Harbour celebrates the completion of a full renovation this year. Established in 1972, the resort was devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, forcing temporary closure followed by a reopening in 2021. The new boutique hotel offers spacious guest rooms and suites with stunning balcony views of the 73-slip marina. Amenities include a heated plunge pool, gift shop and Snappa’s Bar & Grill waterfront restaurant.
British Virgin Islands
Chart your course for Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, the ultimate haven for vessels up to 160 feet in the British Virgin Islands. The resort offers top-tier docking services at its full- service marina, along with indulgent dining outlets and a world-class spa. Shake off your sea legs in their ocean-view villas and suites. A complimentary ferry will take you to Marina Cay for fresh bites, cold beverages, snorkeling and views.
FROM STREETS LINED WITH SPANISH COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE to a palm-tree draped beachfront, historic charm meets tropical paradise at this northeast Florida destination.
Nestled in a nook off the Tolomato River just minutes from the Atlantic coast and downtown St. Augustine, Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor boasts a full-service marina with 218 slips accommodating vessels up to 150 feet, four lift slips and a boutique hotel with scenic harbor views. Guests can enjoy upscale amenities including a dock bar, swimming pool, spa, bathhouse, laundry, service centers, grill areas and five fuel stations. Yacht brokers, courtesy cars and a sailing school are also available on-site.
Windward Marina Group recently acquired Camachee Cove with plans to revamp as they continue to grow their marina management portfolio across Florida. Exciting facility upgrades are underway as the marina is adding 600 feet of new superyacht dockage and 500 feet of replacement bulkhead on the southeast side to accommodate larger vessels and transients boaters.
On-site provisioning options include a waterfront dinner overlooking the marina at Kingfish Gril, breakfast or lunch at Odd Birds Café, or a homemade Italian meal from the family-owned Vinny’s Pizza. For cozy lodging, the Inn at Camachee Harbor offers charming deluxe suites with balconies, patios and Jacuzzis.
“Our marina is the most protected on the waterway in St. Augustine as it’s nestled in a quiet cove just off the Intracoastal, less than one mile from the St. Augustine Inlet and less than two miles from downtown,” says Lori Kafel, office manager. “We also have a great staff that is here to help meet each customer’s individual needs.”
Venture downtown into the oldest city in the nation to explore notable historic sites and enjoy the local bars, restaurants and nightlife. Catch a show at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, tour the historic district on an Old Town Trolley, take a sunset cruise or dolphin sightseeing ecoadventure with Florida Water Tours, or head east to kick back and relax on the beach at Vilano, Crescent, or St. Augustine Beaches.
As you meander the St. Augustine streets, gaze upon opulent architecture within a cultural scene that’s rich in history. The city offers a long list of museums and sites, and a few notable stops include the Lightner Museum, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. For unique niches, view beautiful artwork at the Villa Zorayda Museum or explore the darker side of history at the Old Jail Museum and the Medieval Torture Museum.
Don’t miss annual music festivals such as Rhythm & Ribs and Sing out Loud Festival, as well as local traditions at the Greek Festival and Cathedral Festival. Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor hosts popular fishing tournaments including the Kingfish Challenge, Old City Elite Kingfish Tournament and El Pescado Billfish Tournament.
The marina also plans to add a new restaurant and additional parking as part of its renovation. Stay tuned for updates at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor!
Mega upgrades are underway at Fort Lauderdale’s next world-class megayacht marina. This Suntex Marinas destination has been completely reconceptualized and redeveloped as part of the city’s revitalization and capstone of $130 million+ in public amenity improvements along the Las Olas Corridor. In addition to the marina, Las Olas will also soon harbor onsite retail, office space and restaurants.
Designed to accommodate megayachts, the marina is one of the largest in the United States and a centerpiece of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), boasting new Bellingham floating docks and 70 slips for vessels 65 – 315 feet. Las Olas Marina offers on-site amenities including a lounge, gym, locker rooms, showers, grilling area and outdoor rooftop pool. The new Crew Lounge is fully equipped with living room couches and TVs, as well as a full kitchen and grills.
Just steps away, guests can relax on the beach or explore bustling downtown Fort Lauderdale. Miles of beachfront offer a vibrant outdoor social scene, and Las Olas Boulevard is known for diverse attractions and nightlife. Almost everything is in walking distance, but golf cart shuttles along the beach are also available.
Overnight travelers can lodge in luxury hotels along the strip just minutes from the marina such as The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach. Shop ‘til you drop at The Galleria mall on Sunrise Boulevard or explore boutiques and galleries along Las Olas Boulevard. Scenic views split between the New River to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east surround waterfront parks such as Las Olas Oceanside Park along the beach and Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park along the river.
Head to one of the area’s oldest and most famous beach bars established in 1938, the Elbo Room, where live bands play daily in an energetic atmosphere. For an upscale dining experience, dock and dine at Coconuts waterfront restaurant to feast on fresh local seafood and sip signature cocktails. Las Olas is also rich in arts and culture, boasting diverse institutions and museums including the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Art Museum and the historic Stranahan House, Fort Lauderdale’s oldest home.
“In the heart of Fort Lauderdale, our marina is more than just a place to dock; it’s a gateway to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture,” says McLayne Sisk, general manager of Las Olas Marina. “We pride ourselves on offering state-of-the-art facilities and services that cater to guests and enhance and support our local community. Every visit blends luxury, convenience and the authentic Fort Lauderdale experience.”
Don’t miss the area’s popular events such as FLIBS in October, Riptide Music Festival in December, and the AirDotShow Tour and Tortuga Music Festival in the spring.
As part of the redevelopment project, the marina also contributes to the city’s environmental resilience by converting three acres back to water and natural habitat and providing seawall improvements to protect against sea level rise. Stay tuned for progress updates at Las Olas Marina.
If the “r” in Caribbean stands for anything, it’s rum. Giving rise to the rich, caramelly spirit we love to swig and savor, the Caribbean is the world’s most sought-after rum region and its birthplace. Rum makers here proudly uphold a centuries-old tradition woven with enchanting history.
An affinity for pirate lore and an exceptional pairing with tropical flavors put rum in a league of its own. Hidden within the character of this sugarcane-based nectar, a story of bucca- neering, colonial rule and craftsmanship unfolds.
During the early 1700s, rum’s popularity spread like wildfire across the Americas. Jumping aboard the rum craze, swashbuck- lers of the Caribbean swapped out their brandy and wine for the locally produced potable. And pirates drank a lot of rum. Among English buccaneers, the infamous Blackbeard best represented the pirates of the Caribbean persona.
Tall and foreboding with an obsidian beard worthy of his nickname, Blackbeard’s rum consumption impressed even his comrades, who maintained a considerably high level of drunken- ness themselves. No matter how much Blackbeard drank, he never passed out and was known to handle his liquor with legendary stamina. In fact, rum drinking seemed only to improve performance on pirate ships. Piracy analytics of the day show that in a mere 18 months, Blackbeard and his crew captured 20 ships!
For pirates, an abundance of rum didn’t present a self-control problem, but rather the opposite. A rum shortage on a pirate ship was a major issue. One of Blackbeard’s ship logs reads, “Such a day, rum all out. Our company somewhat sober — A damned confusion among us!” Fearing an impending mutiny, Blackbeard relaxed when his crew plundered a ship full of booze, at which point “all things went well again.”
Legend has it that Blackbeard would consume a beastly concoction of rum and gunpowder, which he’d set afire and drink while it flamed and popped. Possibly a fire-eating trick, it thrilled his inebriated audience and strengthened his fearsome reputation.
Fiery cocktails aside, the preferred beverage among pirates was bumbo (also known as bumbu), a mix of rum, water, lime, sugar, nutmeg and sometimes cinnamon. An improvement over the Royal Navy’s Grog, pirates added inventive twists to the beverage. Nutmeg, once worth its weight in gold, and other valuable spices were looted from merchant ships and added to rum.
By adding these plundered spices to their drinks, pirates effectively created the first spiced rums. Famed privateer Sir Henry Morgan, after an illustrious career on the water, chose to retire in Port Royal, Jamaica, the capital of piracy. Captain Morgan spent his golden years sipping Jamaican rum alongside his old privateer buddies in Port Royal. It’s unclear whether he added sugar and spice to his libations, but one thing is certain. His name will live on in eternal infamy among Floridian spring breakers.
Bumbo was by no means a fixed formula. Tropical fruits and juices made available by marauding and foraging were also mixed into rum drinks. These first Caribbean cocktails were sweet, fruity and delicious — minus the cute paper umbrellas and colorful plastic swords.
During rum’s explosion in the early 1700s, sailors in the British Royal Navy began receiving daily rum rations (instead of beer) when outside of home waters. Unlike aboard pirate ships, this became a problem when some sailors stockpiled multiple days’ rations, consumed it all at once and got excessively drunk. What do you do with a drunken sailor?
Around 1750, sailors began receiving a watered-down version of their daily ration, often with lime added, called “Grog” after a well-liked admiral named Old Man Grog. This not only prevented drunkenness on the job, but it also helped sterilize and preserve stagnating water while out to sea. By the 18th century, the beverage became so pervasive that nearly every sailor and land worker was a Grog drinker. The Royal Navy continued its tradition of divvying out daily rum rations until 1970.
Before packing the punch behind many a whimsical cocktail, rum’s early history was not full of mai-tais and mojitos. Thanks to the ingenuity of slaves working on Caribbean sugarcane plantations in the 1600s, sugarcane molasses was distilled into a crude hooch called “kill-devil.” A 1651 document from Barbados describes kill-devil as “a hot, hellish and terrible liquor.” Arriving later, the name “rum” is thought to be derivative of “rumbullion,” a beverage made by boiling sugarcane stalks.
Rum gradually became the sipping delicacy we recognize today. As it devel- oped, rum’s distinct styles were driven largely by the colonial powerhouses of the Caribbean Islands — namely the English, Spanish and French. With a bounty of delicious Caribbean rums to try, you can taste your way through each region and its history.
English-style rum is a molasses-based spirit with rich, powerful flavor and high alcohol content. Known for distinctive molasses notes, it’s the most widespread style and includes black or dark rum — young rum with color, sweetness and spice added. High-end English rums are crafted using pot stills and cask-aged for many years, resulting in a renowned unadulterated purist style. Navy-strength rum, an unaged overproof rum favored by islanders, is relished for its rustic and woody flavors. English rum is enjoyed straight, with ice or in cocktails like the Old-fashioned or Dark ’N Stormy.
More available than whiskey in the 1700s, English rum gained favor among American colonists. George Washington, while running for the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1758, wooed voters with 28 gallons of rum and 50 gallons of rum punch. Later, for his 1789 inauguration, Washington insisted on serving the finest aged Barbados rum — an entire hogshead barrel worth (roughly 63 gallons).
Called “Ron” by Spaniards, Spanish rums are generally lighter-bodied, buttery, clean and smooth. Distilled from sugar- cane honey (concentrated cane juice) or molasses, Spanish rums taste different depending on the stills and barrels used to make and age them. Each Spanish rum producer employs proprietary methods to distinguish flavors per the specifications of its Maestro Ronero, or rum master. Spanish rums range from light rums used in piña coladas and daiquiris to “añejos” — aged, rich, rounded and full-bodied rums to sip neat.
Unlike English and French Caribbean colonies that embraced rum distillation, the Spanish initially viewed rum as competition to its prized brandy and wine. Decrees preventing rum production remained in place until the Treaty of Paris in 1783, when the Spanish government relinquished its Florida territory to regain control of Cuba. Column stills were introduced in the late 1800s with the Industrial Age, and white oak bourbon barrels make the most common storage place for the Spanish good stuff.
Made with sugarcane juice, French-style rum is called “rhum agricole” and differs greatly from molasses-based rum. Agricole means agricultural in French, and rhum agricole is characterized by grassy, vegetal, fruity, earthy and herbal notes. Utilizing stills and casks from a proud cognac-making heritage, rhum agricole is aged for at least three years in French oak barrels. French rum exudes a rich, amber color and is often drunk over ice or mixed in a Ti’ punch or Zombie.
Ironically enough, the Great French Wine Blight of the 1860s helped save a sluggish French rum market. After a nasty little aphid called “grape phylloxera” wiped out France’s vineyards and brandy production, plentiful, cheap French Caribbean rum came to the rescue. Replacing the French Navy’s daily ration of brandy, rum was portioned instead. Along with production improvements and refinement of rhum agricole, the amber elixir grew in popularity among the French. Today, roughly 80% of all Martinican rum exports straight to France.
Ryan Weepers and Brittni Moffat's love story began almost two decades ago when teenager Ryan left Australia to stay with Brittni’s family in Canada so he could play ice hockey there. Ryan had met Brittni’s brother at a junior world ice hockey championship a couple of years earlier, and they became good friends.
“I had a crush on him before I even met him,” said Brittni. “My mom made a photo album of the tournament. I remember flicking through the photos, and I spotted Ryan and thought he was so cute. Ryan didn’t know I existed until he walked through the door of our house, but it’s safe to say he began crushing on me soon after arrival.”
Managing a relationship with Brittni in Canada and Ryan in Australia was complicated. Each moved to the other’s country for a couple of years at a time, until 2013 when Brittni finally relocated to be with Ryan in Australia. Neither of them had experience sailing, but they had grown up with motorboats. They planned a five-year, around the world sail, because they wanted to travel internationally and bring their German Shepard named Jackson along.
They sold their house in Australia, then bought and worked on a 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 46, with the goal of sailing the world. The sailboat uses lithium batteries, and everything on it runs off electricity garnered from solar panels.
They bought their sailboat in Europe and began their trip in Malta in 2019, just as COVID was starting to spread across Europe. In their home countries, stray animals were not an issue, but they quickly learned that many countries did not have the infrastructure to take care of stray dogs and cats. So, saving newborn animals became their mission.
For two sailors with little experience, the couple learned fast. At the five-year mark, the ship called Sunday has sailed over 30,000 nautical miles and visited 20+ countries in the Mediterranean, northern Africa and the Caribbean. To date, they have rescued more than 75 puppies and kittens.
Early on they tried to work with American rescue organizations, but the requirements were complicated and did not fit with what they wanted to do. So, they focused on countries that did not have enough or any rescue organizations where cats and dogs were abandoned or killed in the streets.
On a hike in Kotor, Montenegro, they found a tiny kitten in a ravine, his eyes glued shut with infection. The brown and white tiger striped baby whom they named Finn responded well to food and medical care, fell in love with the dog Jackson and decided that the boat was his jungle gym. They kept him.
They explored Italy, Greece, Albania and other countries that had no infrastructure to take care of baby animals. So, they turned the boat’s extra cabin into a bottle-feeding operation, because it has its own bathroom. At about eight weeks, or when the animals begin chewing, the couple finds them foster or permanent homes.
“People think I am crazy,” Brittni said. “But we are these animals’ first chance at a new life. They don’t have anywhere to go, and fostering can be the difference between life and death, so we work it out. Sometimes I cannot say no, and it puts a lot of pressure on us.”
When Brittni and Ryan started their journey, they created a vlog (blog done in video format) called Sailing Sunday that can be found on YouTube. It has now posted hundreds of episodes, charting their adventures from Europe to North Africa to the Caribbean. The weekly story of where they are and how they got there has close to 40,000 followers including many from animal rescues around the world who work with them or want to.
The couple’s love story is featured in the vlogs on special occasions. The most romantic episode was when Ryan proposed to Brittni. They sailed to a private island in the Abacos, which are located 193 miles east of Miami.
One afternoon, they headed to a tiny, deserted island called Spoil Cay where they spent the day swimming and playing with Jackson. At one point, Brittni was eager to get back to the boat, but Ryan called her back to where he stood in the sand. As she came toward him, he knelt in the sand, Jackson as witness, held out a ring and asked her to be his bride.
The vlogs are refreshingly honest stories about every aspect of sailing the world including how they met, improvements to their boat, animals they saved and what they find at each place they visit. Their work is supported by sponsors, private donations, local animal rescue organizations, veterinarians and other animal lovers. They can be found on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and other social media sites.
Some of the rescues have made their way into the boating community. After 2.5 years in Europe and a visit to Tunisia where stray animals had little infrastructure to support them, Ryan and Brittni sailed to the Caribbean.
In St. Maarten, they teamed up with a highly regarded rescue organization. SXM Paws, which rehomes animals abandoned in the Caribbean to the United States and Canada. During the months that they were on the island, they fostered 22 puppies and rehomed 18 of them.
Next, they moved on to one of the Grenadine Islands, Carriacou, which is part of Grenada. The Carriacou Animal Hospital has an all-volunteer clinic where vets come for three months at a time from all over to service the entire island. For example, a mother dog had given birth to two puppies under a building. She was poisoned, then hit by a car. They could not save her but did find two puppies whom they named Oliver and Poppy and nursed them back to health.
The sailing community has adopted some of the rescues. A tiny three-to-four-week-old black puppy covered in ticks and abandoned in a box with his four siblings on a local road in Carriacou is now a pampered boat dog. A kitten they found dying on a beach in St. Martin, with its umbilical cord still attached, is now living on a sailboat sailing from port to port and eating a diet of lobster and fresh fish.
At one point in our conversation Brittni explained that she gets seasick and has tried different ways to manage it including patches, pills, home remedies and tips she picked up along the way. When sailing through storms she is often sick. So, the couple’s next adventure will be on land in Canada.
There is another reason for living in Canada. Their big news, which they announced on the vlog, is that they are having a baby this fall. Brittni returned to Canada, in part because she could not find a sea sickness medication that is safe to take during her pregnancy.
Ryan said they plan to continue supporting the rescues that they have built relationships with, volunteering when they can in places they visit and possibly going back to bottle feeding when the time is right. “I can see our baby being smothered in puppy and kitten kisses in the future.”
“I’m absolutely terrified and so excited to have a human baby,” said Brittni. “But even right now, I would love to have a foster dog or cat. I don’t mind sleeplessness. After all we are used to doing shift sleeps with the rescues.”
A rocky plateau beneath the Bahamas creates endless pleasures for visitors to this popular utopia. Shallows of bonefish swim next to record-breaking ocean catches. Coral reefs invite snorkeling beside deep-sea diving. Endless white — and some pink — sand beaches line more than 700 tropical islands. Add one of the world’s largest blue holes, swimming pigs and fabulous resorts tucked into the stunning landscape.
The indigenous Lucayans, as well as loyalists to the Crown and notorious illegal traders came to these islands, but tourism has made them the luxurious getaways of today. Plunge into island culture, eat exquisite Bahamian dishes, sink into spas and villas with sweeping water views, and berth at top-notch marinas. Here are some of the best resorts for boaters.
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
Mariners rave about the second-to- none attention given at this family-run resort and marina. Modern yet boutique-like waterfront suites and garden-view rooms anchor you in the heart of the Marsh Harbour. The Snappas Bar & Grill features Bahamian and Western dishes, weekend brunches, music, fiesta nights and happy hour. Knowing a good watch will be kept on your vessel and you can take ferry service to Hope Town, Great Guana Cay, and beyond make this a perfect home base.
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Great Abaco Island
Service and hospitality are hallmarks of this time-tested resort. First opened in Marsh Harbour 70 years ago, it has been refurbished into a 96-room resort and 200-slip marina. Guests have everything at their fingertips, including two restaurants with terrace activities, a swim-up bar, entertainment, a pool table, games and karaoke nights. A helipad, fishing tournaments, dock-and- stay rates, and more round out the iconic destination. The premiere escape is a three-bedroom deluxe penthouse. The marina takes yachts up to 200 feet.
Abaco
Twelve acres on Green Turtle Cay spread from the White Sound to the Sea of Abaco at this quintessential Bahamas retreat. Lay back and enjoy a private white-sand beach, kayak rentals, or swimming with turtles, stingrays, and sharks. Two casual dining choices are Tranquil Turtle Beach Bar on the Sea of Abaco and The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant on the harbor. Stay aboard at the 40-slip marina, reserve a luxury suite or rent a private cottage filled with island ambiance.
Abaco
Burgees flags from around the world cover the walls of this resort’s centrally located Green Turtle Club, while signed dollars blanket the Dollar Bar (a tradition born from WWII pilots leaving money to buy future visiting friends a drink). There are rooms in the club, and villas hovering over the harbor, popular with boaters due to their small boat dockage. Enjoy a $300 dock-and-stay credit and rent a golf cart to visit the nearby loyalist settlement of New Plymouth. The marina has 40 slips for boats up to 130 feet.
Chub Cay, Berry Islands
The western point of Chub Cay is flanked by both shallows and deep sea. Snorkel, cast into schools of bonefish, or enjoy a 2.5-hour sandbar; alternatively, scuba dive or fish in deep waters, or visit a blue hole. Accommodations surround the 109-slip marina (for yachts up to 160 feet). The new clubhouse has suites overlooking the marina or ocean. Eight cabanas front the beach, and 18 spectacular villas serve as vacation homes. A spa, vegetable garden and the Nauti Rooster Bar & Grille grace the expansive property.
Grand Bahama
This hideaway on Grand Bahama Island’s West End is just 56 miles from Palm Beach. The night-navigable port of entry leads to 63-slips with 8-foot depths. Boating groups get special rates, the option of beach cookouts and more. Book luxury suites with soaking tubs and, of course, ocean views. The resort has sports courts, bicycles, a pool, private island picnics, and easy access to golf courses and the city of Freeport 30 miles to the Southeast. Rental cars are available.
Kamalame Cay
Next to the third largest barrier reef in the world, Kamalame Cay is secluded on a three-mile-long, private island. You can’t turn away from turquoise waters in its 22 rooms, suites, cottages and bungalows. The wonders include a spa overhanging the water, Great House dining inside or on the sand- floor terrace, an outdoor kitchen at the poolside Tiki Bar & Beach Club, and two special occasion venues. Meals are made with fresh ingredients from a neighboring farm. The marina hosts vessels up to 65 feet.
Paradise Island
Versailles-inspired gardens make this Four Seasons resort a fantasy getaway. Its 107, Balinese-style rooms and suites are close to Nassau, yet a world away. Enjoy a five-mile white- sand beach, an 18-hole golf course, six tennis courts, a martini bar and lounge, and more. The Private Retreats Collection offers villas with infinity pools, private beaches, chefs and personal attendants. Or simply arrange a private dinner for two in the gardens or on the beach.
Nassau
Rooms and suites here look out over bustling Nassau, the ocean or the gardens. Henry Flagler built the resort in 1901, which was the start of a fascinating history. Most recently, Hilton stepped in and rejuvenated the entire facility. There are two oceanfront pools, a martini bar with jazz, a classic Italian restaurant, a noodle and sushi bar, a beachfront bar and grill, an outdoor evening cigar bar, a rooftop club for social events, and a marketplace with breakfast stations. As if that’s not enough, all of Nassau is just outside your door.
Paradise Island
Part of the renowned Atlantis resort, The Cove has 600 suites featuring balconies and floor-to-ceiling window views. Geared toward an adult oriented vacation, you find 20 private cabanas at the adult-only pool and beach club, two secluded beaches, gaming and outdoor dining. A concierge-level club on the 22nd floor is included with certain suites. With 40 restaurants, bars and lounges, including three Michelin- starred chefs, the 63-slip Atlantis Marina (for yachts up to 250 feet), and just about anything else you might desire, you could opt to never step foot off the grounds.
Harbour Island
Authenticity and pink sand define Valentines Resort. A local, laid-back feel comes from history-inspired architecture and its location in the heart of colonial Dunmore Town. Balconies, covered patios and sunken tubs enhance the villas and suites. Suit up at the dive center, enjoy world class fishing and eat classic local dishes at The Boathouse. Or dine casually at The Rooster Tail Bar & Grill or Cocoa Coffee House. Yachts up to 200 feet can dock at the state-of-the-art marina.
Cape Eleuthera
Set amidst 4,500 acres of Bahamas beauty, the options for exploration here are endless. Paddle, bike, dive below the waterline, stroll pop-up sandbars or swim at one of three private beaches. There are suites on Sunset Beach, bungalows on the Atlantic, villas at the marina, and cottages on the channel. Or stay aboard at the 47-slip marina for yachts up to 200 feet. The beloved on-site restaurant, Harbour Pointe, will serve you their catch of the day or cook yours.
Staniel Cay, Exuma
Boaters return here time and time again. Nearby, you find Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, known for excellent snorkeling and diving, and Big Major Cay, the original spot of swimming pigs. A renovated 18-slip marina welcomes yachts up to 210 feet and offers 21 mooring balls for daily/nightly rental. Elegant suites, villas and charming waterfront bungalows are amenity rich. An all-inclusive package includes a 17-foot skiff with fuel. There’s a waterfront restaurant, captain’s lounge, deck and bar dining, and much, much more.
Cruising to the Caribbean wasn’t at the top or even on Jennifer and Adam Landa’s bucket list. Now, they’re glad they made the leap. In November 2022, the Landas boarded their Fountaine Pajor Saona 47, Solmate, cast off from Hampton, VA, as one of 70 boats bound for the island of Antigua in the Salty Dawg Sailing Association’s (SDSA) Fall Caribbean Rally.
“Our adventure sport was motorcycles. We’ve traveled and motorcycled on five continents,” says Jennifer Landa, a physi- cian from Yonkers, NY. “The only sailing we did was charter a bareboat in the British Virgin Islands a couple times. My husband had sailed as a teenager. That last charter was in March 2020. The island’s border closed due to COVID-19, and we had the BVIs to ourselves for a couple of days before we got the last flight out.”
One of those days, I looked at my husband and said, ‘We could just stay.’ He didn’t answer. My thought was we could work virtually, and by then, we were empty nesters. When we got home, we watched every YouTube video of couples living aboard. Five months later, my husband agreed and answered, ‘Yes, we could.’ ”
The Landa’s sold their house and cars, bought the boat and lived in a marina in Fort Lauderdale for four months. Over the next two years, they gained experience sailing from Florida to the Chesapeake and wintered six months in the Bahamas. The couple planned to sail Solmate to Brunswick, GA, store her there, and travel by land to see friends and family. Instead, in a snap decision made after a year of serious pondering, the Landa’s kept sailing to Hampton for the departure of the SDSA’s Fall Caribbean Rally.
“The Caribbean Rally really opened up a whole new world for us,” says Landa.
Sailing rallies to the Caribbean aren’t new. The first, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), celebrates 40 years this year. It’s run by the U.K.-based World Cruising Club (WCC) with a fleet of nearly 300 boats annually departing from the Canary Islands to St. Lucia. On this side of the pond, Steve Black launched his Caribbean 1500 cruising rally in 1990 with 50 boats passage-making from Hampton, VA, to Virgin Gorda, BVI. The popularity of cruising-in-company caught on.
In 2011, veteran cruisers Bill and Linda Knowles and their Jack Russel terrier, Brie, started the Salty Dawg Rally to the Caribbean. The SDSA has grown into a nonprofit hosting education events and rallies year-round. The annual Fall Carib- bean Rally is now the largest organized flotilla of cruisers leaving the U.S. East Coast for the Caribbean.
“The SDSA’s educational mission is for experienced offshore passage-makers to share their knowledge with those who wish to learn more about the sport and the adventure it presents. We do this through webinars, short rallies during the summer off the U.S. East Coast, seminars and social activities before and after rallies, and more recently, WhatsApp groups that let “Dawgs” stay in touch whether it’s to meet up for dinner or get recom- mendations for repair work,” says Bob Osborn, the SDSA’s president, who with wife Brenda have cruised their Aerodyne 47, Pandora, since 2012.
To enter the Fall Caribbean Rally costs $450 per boat. One of the benefits of rallying is that the entry fee offers a package deal on services that individuals sailing solo would need to purchase a la carte, Osborn says. This includes customized weather briefings and routing suggestions by the Marine Weather Center before departure and daily offshore weather updates via email and SSB while underway.
There’s also position tracking by PredictWind, where friends, family, the SDSA Shoreside Coordinator team, and the U.S. Coast Guard can see a vessel’s live positions. New this year, ralliers can access 24/7 emergency medical support by George Washington Maritime Medical Services.
The availability of Starlink has been a game changer for those who wrestle with when to cruise to the Caribbean: now or when they retire, says Kathy Kubic, from Charleston, SC, who, with her husband, has sailed in the SDSA Fall Caribbean Rally on their Leopard 45, Island Time, for six years. “When the kids went to college, we sold the house, bought a boat, and lived in a marina in Annapolis. We always wanted to cut the lines. One day, we met this gentleman at the marina who said there’s no need to ‘do it in order,’ meaning work then cruise. With Starlink, we’ve been able to work and cruise.”
Some 20% of the boats that contact SDSA about the Caribbean Rally aren’t ready, says Osborn. “One of the first things we tell them is to get overnight experience. Our DelMarVa Rally in June is a wonderful way to do this. It’s a week-long, 450-mile counter-clockwise sail around Delmarva Peninsula. The Downeast Rally in July is a sail from Hampton to Newport with an optional mini cruise around Maine. Or, if someone doesn’t have time, I recommend they pick a good weather window, sail out into the Atlantic for two days, and come back. It’s a cruise to nowhere, but you don’t know what you don’t know until you do it. For example, what is it like to reef your sail at 2:00 a.m. or navigate at night? Or get sleep onboard so you’re rested for watches? After all, we don’t want someone’s first trip to be their only one.”
Cindy Petelinkar was ready when she sailed her 48’ Oceanis, Luffin’ Life, to Antigua on the SDSA Fall Caribbean Rally. The Horsham Township, PA, resident first learned about SDSA’s Caribbean Rally via the organization’s tent at the Annapolis Boat Show. At the time, Petelinkar considered it a far-reaching dream.
The following year, she signed up to crew for friends in the DelMarVa and Downeast Rallies. Friends she met in these mini-rallies invited her to crew for them in the World ARC, the WCC’s round-the-world rally, on the leg from Namibia, in southern Africa, to Salvador, Brazil. Last year, Petelinkar felt ready to captain her boat in the rally.
“At that stage, I had the boat ready, all the safety equipment on board, and, more importantly, I knew how to use it. One of the most important pieces in preparation is to pick the right crew. There’s an art to picking crew. Tell them what you expect of them upfront. Sailing knowledge is good, but it isn’t everything. I’d rather have a trauma nurse or helicopter mechanic onboard than someone who tells me they’ve completed X number of sailing courses.”
The sail from Hampton, VA, to Falmouth Harbour, Antigua, averages 10 to 12 days. It’s common to sail the whole way without seeing another rally boat.
“Good food and trying to gather together for one meal a day helps pass the time,” says Island Time’s Kubic. “Crossing the Gulf Stream in the early part of the trip, and the chance of seasickness if the water is like a washing machine, means it’s important to have meals and snacks that are easy to manage. This means frozen one-bowl meals that you can make before the trip. Also, protein or granola bars.”
Go fishing, suggests Luffin’ Life’s Petelinkar. “There’s nothing more exciting than yelling ‘fish on.’ Besides that, if there’s no wind, we may stop for a swim. Everyone wants to see the green flash, so sunset is a highlight. We play cards, read books, star gaze or play a movie we downloaded before the trip.”
The arrival of nearly 100 boats and crews before Thanksgiving helps Antigua kick off its tourism season early. Welcome parties, group hikes, beach trips and other social events are scheduled for the first week or two after arrival. After that, some leave their boats in Antigua, and fly to the United States and back to cruise over winter holidays.
Others cast off on an extended winter season cruise before sailing north in the spring. Last year, the SDSA put together a series of informal rendezvous. To the north, this includes Dominica in February, the BVI in March, and the Dominican Republic in April, while to the South, there’s the Martinique Carnival in February and Bequia in March or April for its Easter Regatta.
“We call it a menu of opportunities,” says Kubic, of the SDSA’s activities planned in Antigua and rendezvous during the season. “Cruisers are fiercely independent, so there is no requirement to do any of these or all. The opportunities, though, are a nice chance to meet up, share experiences and recommendations with new and old friends, and enjoy the island destination. That’s what being part of a cruising rally is all about.”
I wanted to do something different and was at a time when I could. So, when I saw a “help wanted” ad for a registered dietitian at the hospital in St. Thomas, I started daydreaming on my hour-long commute between Philadelphia and South Jersey about living in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
That dream became reality in April 1986 when a February interview became a job offer while in port on a cruise ship. I gave notice on my apartment and sold or packed everything, except for my mini dachshund and 13 boxes sent USPS.
My stepmother’s cousins met me at the airport. They had sailed down from Baltimore in the 1960s and stayed to work as high school teachers. Not wanting to burden them, I announced that I’d be apartment hunting the next day. Their response was, “No, you won’t. Everything is closed. It’s Carnival.” “What’s Carnival?” I asked. I soon found out.
There was a food fair, booths selling local foods alongside amusement rides, and Pan-O-Rama steel pan concerts. Add in two parades — one for children and the next for adults — with marching bands, stilt walking Mocko Jumbies, and troupes strutting in colorful sequin and feather-festooned costumes.
The U.S.V.I. may fly the American flag, tend the U.S. dollar, and not require a passport for Americans. Purchased from Denmark in 1917, these islands and their people have delightful- ly distinct personalities. That’s why, after meeting my husband here, raising our two kids here, and working here for nearly four decades, I’m still here.
The U.S.V.I. encompasses three major islands — St. Thomas, where I live; St. John; and St. Croix. St. Thomas is the busy cosmopolitan port and seat of the U.S. territory’s government. St. John’s vibe is about nature owing to 2/3 of its land and sea designated as the Virgin Islands National Park; and St. Croix, the biggest of the three by size, offers step-back-in-time tourism and natural wonders.
The U.S.V.I.’s leading visitor attractions: Mountain Top on St. Thomas offers a birds-eye view of St. Thomas, St. John, and the British Virgin Islands beyond. St. John’s Northshore beaches are the stuff of postcards, except between 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. when cruise ship passengers make it standing room only on the sands. St. Croix’s two towns of Christian and Frederiksted boast 17th and 18th century forts to explore, complete with dungeons. But some things to see and do aren’t covered by popular tourist guides.
Trying local foods is one of the best ways to get to know a place. Food trucks parked near Fort Christian in Charlotte Amalie, as well as local restaurants such as Gladys’ Café and the Petite Pump Room, serve johnny cakes, pates (fried turnovers filled with savory beef, conch or saltfish), and the U.S.V.I. national dish of fish and fungi. Firm, white-fleshed fish, called “pot fish” because it’s caught daily in pots, is steamed or fried, covered with an onion butter sauce and served with a side of okra-flecked cornmeal polenta-like “fungi.” It’s a history lesson in a meal — the ocean’s bounty combined with 18th century slave provisions of six quarts of cornmeal a week.
Main Street is called the “Shopping Capital of the Caribbean,” but I steer friends instead to history. The U.S.V.I. are the only Caribbean islands formerly owned by Denmark, and it’s still apparent from the architecture to street names. St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum is an excellent place to learn about this. Grab a brochure for a self-guided walking tour of this historic district or arrange a guided tour. The Fort Christian Museum is another deep dive into three-plus centuries of history.
Beyond town, Magens Bay is famous for its mile-long white sand beach. I like to take friends to the quiet, less populated west end of this 23-square-mile island. A hike to Mermaid’s Chair in Botany Bay Estates, feels like a Robinson Crusoe experience on this spit of land and its uninhabited island to the west.
If it’s the second or last Sunday of the month, stop on the way back at the Bordeaux Farmer’s Market, where Rastafarian farmers have just-picked fruits and vegetables, local drinks, and vegetarian and vegan foods for sale. Red Hook, to the east on the far opposite side of St. Thomas, is one of my favorite places for dinner among nearly a dozen restaurants. Select one overlooking IGY’s American Yacht Harbor marina.
If you go early for happy hour, you may see the island fishermen carrying fresh mahi, tuna or wahoo down the dock to a restaurant chef. Red Hook is also where ferries depart to St. John and the B.V.I. of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and sometimes Virgin Gorda. Island-hopping is one of my best tips for a visit.
The only way to reach this 28-square-mile island is via a 20-minute ferry trip from Red Hook, St. Thomas. Our favorite way to spend the day is taking the car ferry, loading up on snacks at Starfish Market in Cruz Bay, driving out to Coral Bay, then returning past the north shore beaches like Hawksnest, Trunk, Cinnamon and Maho for a picnic and swim. Another must-do is the five-hour, ranger-guided Reef Bay Hike. The trip concludes with a boat ride back to Cruz Bay. If you do it on your own, you’ll walk 2.1 miles back uphill.
If you don’t have a car or want to hire a taxi, there’s a simple way to spend the day that checks several boxes. Stop at the VINP Visitor’s Center first to enjoy its information, exhibits and ranger’s knowledge. Get sandwiches-to-go from across the street at the North Shore Deli in Mongoose Junction. Then, walk the mile-long Lind Point Trail to Salomon or Honeymoon Beach. It’s an easy walk back to Cruz Bay, where you can spend the afternoon wandering in the artsy shops. The last car ferry to St. Thomas departs at 5:30 p.m., while the last passenger ferry leaves at 11:00 p.m., making dinner on St. John possible.
Sometimes called the “Big Island” at 82 square miles, St. Croix lies 40 miles south of St. Thomas. The 20-minute commuter flights are the fastest way to visit between St. Thomas and St. Croix, or a two-hour ferry trip one-way. Soaking up history by taking a self-guided walking tour of Christiansted or Frederiksted is fascinating.
Nature entices me most about St. Croix. Take a day sail, or we sail with friends, to Buck Island. There’s an underwater snorkel trail and lots of sugar-sand beaches. Mid-island, the St. George Village Botanical Gardens put a face to the name of many local flora and fauna. It was the first place I saw a cashew fruit grow with its nut at the bottom.
To the west near Frederiksted, Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is the site of scientists and citizen science groups who watch and document evening sea turtle nesting here from April 1 to September 1. Scuba divers love the Cane Bay coral-crusted wall. If you’re a strong swimmer, the north- west coast’s Butler Bay has reefs and wrecks shallow enough to snorkel.
As an adventurous foodie, travel for me begins on a boat and ends at a table. Wherever I roam, my taste buds are at the helm, and no place grabs their attention like the Caribbean.
Walking into a Jamaican kitchen makes my stomach rumble with anticipation of platters piled high with jerk chicken, curry goat, callaloo (sauteed greens) coco bread, and rice with pigeon peas (actually beans). Each island presents a unique spin on local ingredients, making every destination an uncharted dining experience.
Few places on the planet can claim such a cornucopia of culinary influences on regional cuisine like the islands – and that’s what makes it unique. Colonization brought the fusion of British, Spanish, French and Dutch flavors into the pantry. Slaves from West Africa added earthy spices to the mix, and the indigenous people knew how to stir native fruits, vegetables and herbs into this incomparable melting pot of dishes.
When I return from vacations, I miss the Caribbean lifestyle — the blue waters, music, culture and most of all the food. Living in a city with many Jamaican, Cuban, Puerto Rican and other island-style restaurants helps, but creating my own Caribbean feast feels more rewarding. So, I’ve amassed a list of places in the islands where chefs share their secrets and teach techniques for cooking regional dishes.
If you want to bolster your culinary skills and bring Caribbean flavors back home, sign up for some of the following classes and learn how to make local food, cocktails and chocolate while you cruise the islands.
Dominica
This hand-on cooking experience brings guests into the home of a seasoned chef who has mastered the art of Caribbean cuisine, with a special flare for delicious and nutritious local foods. High on a hilltop surrounded by tropical trees and stunning views, you learn about the island lifestyle while taking part in preparing dishes such as coconut rice and peas and Creole fish, all made from fresh ingredients. While sipping a glass of rum punch, the class kicks back for a tasty meal and hears stories about life in Dominica. Morning and afternoon classes are available; all skill levels are welcome. The new cookbook, Cooking Caribbean with Daria, shares recipes made in class and expands your repertoire on this cuisine.
Bonaire
Fans of snorkeling in turquoise waters and eating just-caught seafood can merge their passions at this unique culinary experience. Strap on your flippers for a swim amidst colorful corals and sea creatures, then come ashore on Donkey Beach to learn how locals use traditional methods to catch fish. After the hosts fire up the grill, they’ll show you how to cook your dinner Caribbean style. This presents a memorable family experience, as both children and adults are encouraged to join the fun.
Antigua
At a lovely house in the mountains overlooking the Caribbean Sea and St. Johns harbor, guests experience the Antigua lifestyle while learning how to cook local food. Chef Nicole and her family guide you through the process of preparing traditional dishes that represent the regional culture and ingredients during four classes: All about Jerk, Cooking with Rum, Coordinating Curry and From the Sea. When the meal is ready, the group dines family style on a spacious veranda surrounded by gardens growing flowers, herbs and spices. A tasting lets you explore rum from six different regions. If you want to stay after class, you can rent their studio apartment and explore the area. The Zoom Cooking Club online class lets you continue your Caribbean cuisine studies when you return home.
St. Lucia
Boaters with a sweet tooth can sign up for two fascinating classes to learn the history and process for creating our favorite sugary delicacy at a six-acre site on the Rabot Estate. The Tree to Bar Experience takes you into the rainforest to tour a cacao grove and witness each step along a cacao bean’s journey from seedling to chocolate. The Bean to Bar Experience is designed for chocolate lovers who want the ultimate insider experience from tasting cacao pulp from a freshly cut pod and transforming it into roasted cacao beans. In both classes, instructors show you how to hand-craft your own chocolate bar.
Jamaica
Consider this a foodie epicenter for joining activities from cooking classes and chef events to beverage pairings and mixology instruction on cuisines from the Caribbean and around the globe. Experts in a range of culinary specialties guide you through techniques and hands-on activities to create delicious dining adventures. Kids’ classes and summer camps bring the entire family into hands-on experiences. And the market makes available the essential spices, ingredients and marinates to replicate the region’s unique flavors back home.
Dominican Republic
Activities in this deluxe kitchen space are dedicated to sharing with visitors the unique gastronomical culture of the Dominical Republic. Master classes kick off with a cocktail, and then chefs reveal the recipes, techniques and local ingredients for traditional dishes such as Sancocho (a soup with seven meats, tubers, herbs and spices), Caribbean Lobster, and Chillo al Coco (snapper cooked with coconut milk). Other hands-on culinary experiences include pairings and tastings of rum, coffee and chocolate. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and a new appreciation of Caribbean cuisine is guaranteed. Sessions conclude with a communal meal between instructors and students. A portion of the feast goes to Un Mundo Mejor Foundation that aids orphaned and needy children.
Antigua
Sipping cocktails while reclining under a palm tree is the hallmark of a Caribbean getaway. But if you’re curious about the liquor in your glass, then visit Academy of Rum at Galleon Beach Resort for a distillery tour and master class in rum making. Mixing traditional Caribbean methods with modern innovations, this interactive class gives you the skills to create a bottle of rum custom-designed to your personal taste. The seaside setting on Freeman’s Bay is a spectacular place to wait as the staff sticks a label on your newly crafted bottle to take home as a unique souvenir. When the lesson is over, you can snorkel in the bay or grab a bite at Loose Cannon Beach Bar and sample a variety of local rums to see how yours compares to the pros.
Puerto Rico
The headquarters of one of the world’s most beloved rums is more than a manufacturing plant. It’s also a haven for learning about the history of rum, the distillation process and why a bat is stamped on every Bacardi label. Two tours offer insight into Puerto Rico and rum culture. The Rum Tasting Tour teaches you how to taste rum like a pro and recognize the subtle nuances of its distinct flavors. The Mixology Class reveals the backstory behind popular cocktails, shares bar tricks and develops skills in creating the perfectly blended rum beverage using fresh local ingredients. Classes are taught in English and offer a guided tour of the facility.
For centuries, plantains have been a centerpiece in Caribbean and other tropical cuisines. This recipe from the new cookbook, Cooking Caribbean with Daria, harkens back to generations of traditional dishes and adds a dash of sweet spices to the plate.
INGREDIENTS
Plantains, 2 ripe and firm, sliced
1 cup Milk
1⁄2 cup Flour
1 Egg
1 tsp. Cinnamon, grated (or cinnamon powder)
1 tsp. Nutmeg, grated (or nutmeg powder)
Pinch of Sugar
Oil for deep frying
INSTRUCTIONS
Beat the egg. Add the milk, then slowly add the flour. The mixture must have the consistency of batter. Add the spices and mix thoroughly. Spoon in the plantains and mix well. Scoop out individual battered slices and deep fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Stocking up for fall and winter cruising can be challenging. With fluctuating temperatures and a variety of weather conditions, cruisers need to have the right gear and their summer and winter wardrobe changes. For all the effort put into provisioning and supplies, it’s imperative the captain doesn’t forget to pack the spare parts as well.
One of the things I hear most often from Great Loop and Bahama-bound cruisers is how their plans and schedules change due to waiting for delivery of some of the most common, easy-to-store and easy-to-replace parts. When you’re in remote locations or trying to keep up with a group of other boaters, that’s the time your alternator, drive belt, impeller or other critical component fails. It is frustrating to know that if you just had that spare part, you wouldn’t be waiting at the dock for an extra week for it to arrive in the mail.
This past spring, I was helping a friend replace his Northern Lights generator raw water pump. We took off the sound shield covers to access the pump and noticed a coolant leak from the engine coolant pump. As we examined the leak, it looked like he would need to order a pump, gaskets, gasket sealer and more.
As he and I discussed the delays this would cause, he pulled out his “Spares” notebook and looked up the Generator section and then the Cooling category. He scrolled down and found the coolant pump, gaskets and tools required. He had the part number, quantity and location of where he had a spare water pump on board.
This wasn’t really a high failure item, so I was impressed that he had the part. I was even more impressed with the organiza- tion of his Spares notebook and the detail for each item on board, along with where he could find it. Once we replaced the coolant pump and raw water pump, he ordered another spare for each item used to restock the spares supply.
Like my friend, captains should take time to examine their spare part inventories and consider what items to stock or restock for an uninterrupted cruising season. But how do you know what items to bring and what to stock or not stock, especially with limited storage space for provisions, clothing and other gear for the season?
Luckily, it’s not hard to come up with a spares inventory nowadays. With so many resources on the internet, a captain can produce an easy-to-use spares list with the item name, part number, quantity on board and storage location.
I recommend starting with a notebook and sheet of paper or a spreadsheet with similar headings below. Using an online tool of choice to capture the list makes it easy to search for parts and location.
To answer the question of what to bring, I included a common short list, but using simple criteria helps captains make a more granular decision. Every captain should have a plan of where they intend to cruise in terms of location, amount of time and distances to travel.
If you know that fluid and filter changes will be required during the trip, then make sure you bring the supplies needed. Likewise, if cruising to places that may be short on boat parts or with your type and brand of boat, then bring the list of critical and proprietary parts that may be necessary.
Both a visual inspection or inventory as well as the owner’s manual recommendations should be captured in either a spreadsheet or notebook with some key information to track the parts once they are ordered and arrive.
A sample list of spares that most boats should carry are outlined below. The more complex the boat, the more spares will likely be required.
• Oil, transmission fluid and coolant; hydraulic fluid if separate hydraulic system
• Filters (primary and secondary) fuel, and oil for each engine
• Impellers for both generator and main engine
• Hoses and belts, clamps for all size hoses on board
• Miscellaneous screws, bolts and nuts
• Hydraulic fittings and plugs
• Spare bulbs for navigation lights, exterior and interior spaces
• Freshwater, washdown and raw water pumps for boat systems
• Engine coolant and raw water pumps for generator and main engine
• Various size wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers and wire cutters
• Allen and torque wrenches as needed
• Duct tape, safety tape and zip ties
• Specialized tools like impeller pullers, filter wrenches and manufacturer recommended tools
• Plumper tools such as pipe wrenches, Teflon tape and spare fittings as needed
The ability to fix the most common failures on your boat is one of the great feelings as a captain. But it feels even better when you diagnose the problem, look into your spares inventory and actually have the part to fix the problem. There is value in your spares inventory as you enjoy your boat. There is also value in the inventory when you sell your boat, so don’t skimp on having the right spares on board this cruising season.
Marinalife is pleased to announce the winners of our 2024 Photo Contest. This year’s three winners and four runners-up come from a pool of more than 200 extraordinary photographs from around the globe. Their images reflect a love of life on the water and share common themes that celebrate the joy of family time together, unique land and sea creatures, adventurous journeys, beloved boats, and nature’s unpredictable beauty. We extend our appreciation to all the participants who sent shots about their experiences beyond the shoreline, and we offer our congratulations to the talented photographers who placed in the Winner and Runner-Up categories. Cheers to you all!
Red Sailboat in Icy Waters
by Susan Poirier
On a late August evening in Ilulissat, Greenland, a pair of red sailboats cruised around to take shots of icebergs. The crew, bundled in heavy winter clothes and gloves, weathered the frigid 28-degree temps to experience this breathtaking and surreal moment.
Boats Docked beneath Swirling Stars
by William Mauney
The magic of timelapse photography created star trails over sailboats docked at Lakeshore Marina along Watauga Lake in the heart of the Tennessee mountains, where the camaraderie of sailing can be experienced year-round.
Close Encounter with a Sea Turtle
by Zachary Caballero
This shot was taken while scuba diving at 80 feet off San Pedro, Belize, along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. The most magical part of underwater adventures here is coming face-to-face with the magnificent creatures that live below the waves.
Safe Harbor in a Mountain Lake
by William Mauney
Anchored deep in a cove on Watauga Lake, a boating club enjoys this lovely man-made lake in the heart of East Tennessee not far from the North Carolina border. The dam, completed in 1948, captures pristine mountain water from the Watauga, Elk and Doe rivers, creating a year-round haven for sailors, houseboats and fishermen.
Chasing the Sunset
by Larry Blackburn
World-famous for its spectacular light at sunset, Key West did not disappoint the crew of a sailboat and put on a stellar display of the day’s end in southern Florida.
Just Hold On!
by Michelle Hare
Capturing the perfect moment of the boys tubing was a challenge for this photographer on a fast-moving Catalina 355. But she persevered and caught her son Connor and his friend Mitchell as they flew across Cobbetts Pond in Windham, NH, on a beautiful August day.
A Little Snooze on the Boat
by Jacki McArdle
Perched at his vantage point on the Wanderer, a 52’ Irwin sailboat, at Piney Narrows Yacht Haven in Chester, MD, Tiller the dog (aka Snickers) enjoys watching the people and boats at the docks. But the buzz of activity requires an occasional nap.
At the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys archipelago where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean lies Key West, once a crucial military outpost and now a popular boating and tourist destination recognized for its quirky denizens and laid-back vibes. For the past 10 years, yours truly has joined the flotilla of boaters and snowbirds who escape to this unique island when things get chilly on the mainland. During my time, I’ve come to appreciate its rich history, which virtually oozes from its pores, so much so that a single article could never capture it all. It’s in this vein that I’d like to share a few of my favorite places with Marinalife readers making plans to visit Key West.
First, a word about the name Key West. The 16th century Spanish settlers originally called the island “Cayo Hueso,” which translates to “Bone Island,” referring to the scattered bones of the Calusa Indians who once lived in the Keys and perhaps also as a nod to the white coral rock on the beaches that resembled bleached bones. English speakers later anglicized it to Key West and the name stuck.
Key West is also known as the Conch Republic due to a symbolic secession in 1982. That year, the U.S. Border Patrol set up a drug smuggling blockade on Route 1, the only road connecting Florida Keys to the mainland. It caused significant inconvenience and economic hardship for Keys residents and businesses.
In response, Key West declared its independence. The humorous stunt gained significant attention and helped get the roadblock removed. Since then, the Conch Republic has become a part of local identity and culture, celebrated with an annual independence festival in April.
You can’t visit Key West without bumping into the celebrated author Ernest Hemingway. Not literally, of course, because he’s dead, but his presence permeates the place. In fact, the most popular historic site in Key West is the house where he lived in the 1930s and sporadically through the 1940s. Built of native limestone, the two-story Spanish Colonial style home is filled with Hemingway memorabilia, photos, books and furniture.
While you can roam the house and gardens solo, I’d suggest joining a tour because the guides are incredibly knowl - edgeable and entertaining. For example, I learned the 60-foot saltwater swimming pool was once the largest in Florida. Hemingway’s second wife Pauline commissioned it when she found out he was having an affair with a journalist while overseas reporting on the Spanish Civil War. For spite, she had it built on the site where Hemingway liked to host neighborhood boxing matches.
Then there are the cats. Hemingway loved pussies and according to one guide the dozens of polydactyl (6-toed) cats roaming the house and grounds today are descendants of a cat named Snow White, given to Hemingway by a local ship captain. It’s said Hemingway fed his felines fresh fish and added whiskey to their milk. Knowing the writer’s affinity for drink, I’m not surprised.
The striking, four-story red brick building beside Key West harbor was built in 1891 and served as the city’s original customs building, post office and courthouse. A national landmark, it now features permanent and changing exhibitions weaving together Key West’s 200+ years of history, art, people and events.
The permanent exhibit with photos and a film about oil tycoon Henry Flagler and his unwavering obsession to erect an overseas railroad linking Key West to the mainland is a must see. But don’t overlook the small room showcasing the work of artists who came to Key West with the Depression Era Works Progress Administration (WPA) program. These artists were part of a plan to promote the city as a vacation paradise, though I’m not sure all their work hit the mark.
The museum also houses the largest known collection of paintings by Tennessee Williams, another celebrated author who made Key West his home from 1949 until his death in 1983.
Key West is a drinking town, and one of its oldest watering holes is the Green Parrot Bar. Once a hangout for WWII submarine sailors stationed at the Key West Naval Base, the bar today is funky, open air and laid back with a free-spirited clientele and great live music.
There’s a pool table, dart board and so many odd paintings and local artifacts that the bar has been called Key West’s attic. Plus, it’s not as popular with the cruise boat crowd as some other well-known bars. In a town that’s always changing, the Green Parrot is one venue that seemingly remains the same, and the locals who frequent it like it that way.
The wooden-frame house that is now the La Te Da hotel, restaurant and bar was constructed in 1892 by Teodoro Perez, the island’s premier cigar manufacturer and a well-known supporter of the Cuban independence movement. As soon as his house was finished, he invited his friend José Martí, the poet and head of the Cuba Revolutionary Party, to visit and drum up money for weapons and ammunition.
As the closest port to Havana, Key West was a hotbed of anti-Spanish sentiment around the turn of the century. During his stay, Martí gave speeches from the second-floor balcony overlooking Duval Street. Local Cubans soon began referring to Perez’s house as “La Terraza de Martí” or “the Balcony of Martí.” The restaurant is top shelf, and the open-air terrace bar is a perfect venue for people watching and listening to live entertain- ment from the adjacent piano bar. The martinis are pretty darn good, too.
Key West cemetery is a lot like the city itself: quirky, crowded and a tad unkept. It was founded in 1847, and the graves reflect the long history and diversity of Key West and range from simple markers to obelisks and elaborate mausoleums. The cemetery has Jewish and Catholic sections, an area for Cuban martyrs, and plots for priests.
The most prominent monument is to the USS Maine, which was blown up in Havana Harbor in 1898 killing 260 American sailors. Two dozen of those dead are buried here along with other veterans of the Spanish-American War.
Stroll about and you’ll undoubtedly notice the photogenic wild chickens and iguanas that frequent the grounds. But don’t let them distract you from the epitaphs on the graves. A few will make you laugh. On one grave: I Told You I Was Sick. On another: I Always Dreamed of Owning a Small Place in Key West. FYI, the small cemetery office offers an excellent free walking tour guide.
During the Civil War, Key West remained in Union hands thanks to several federal forts in its vicinity. Constructed in 1862, Fort East Martello today serves as a historical museum (it was the first in the Florida Keys) and a small art gallery. Visitors can explore the preserved battlement’s collection of relics from the Civil War, learn about Key West’s wrecking and cigar manufacturing industries, as well as meet the infamous Robert the Doll.
Once a local child’s plaything, Robert the Doll is Key West’s creepiest and most famous haunted spirit, often accused of tragedies that befall those who disrespect him. According to the museum curator, Robert casts curses on those who take his photo without first asking permission.
Now 117 years old, Robert resides in a glass display case with humidity control and UV-filtered glass and surrounded by letters from previous visitors and naysayers begging Robert’s forgiveness and asking him to remove any hex he has cast.
I took a photo of the pockmarked straw-filled doll two years ago before I knew the backstory and since have had foot surgery, pink eye, and a strange case of beard psoriasis. Perhaps I’ll hand deliver my own letter to Robert this coming winter when I head back to the eccentric little island.
Studies have shown that being in or around water induces neurochemicals in our brain responsible for reducing stress and anxiety. This is not surprising, because water does run in our veins. The human body is comprised of more than 60% water.
While boaters are keenly aware of the therapeutic impact of being on the water, we often disregard the need for drinking water. Proper hydration allows our bodies to regulate temperature, lubricate joints, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells and keep organs functioning.
Dehydration can happen easily on a boat, even if you do not feel excessively hot. In addition to sun exposure and water activities, the body is constantly making micro-adjustments to the movement of the boat escalating the need to keep hydrated. Potable water availability while cruising is important for the health and safety of all on board.
Managing water resources on board can be challenging. The average person requires 1.5 gallons of water each day. Planning and provisioning for your water needs depends on how many people will be aboard and how long you will be away from a freshwater resource, such as a marina or store. The options for managing water resources include taking it with you, finding it along your journey or making water to meet your needs.
Filling our coolers with bottled water is a widespread practice. Bottled water is a convenient way to keep hydrated while boating, but it comes at a cost. Responsible disposal of single-use water bottle packaging is a major environmental issue. Storing flats of bottled water becomes a challenge if your cruising plans involve several people or days aboard.
Reusable water bottles are an environmentally savvy and space-saving alternative to single-use bottles. While shopping for water supplies, consider larger containers instead of flats of individual bottles. Gallon jugs of water take up less space and create less plastic waste.
Larger storage receptacles, such as Jerry Cans specifically designed for water, may also be utilized and refilled. Nalgene, Hydro Flask, and Corkcicle are boat-friendly examples of reusable bottles.
If your boat is equipped with water storage tanks, knowing where and when to fill them is a priority. While the standard calculation for drinking water on board is an average of 1.5 gallons per person daily, this can vary depending on the person and conditions, so provisioning slightly more is wise. Do not forget to include pets in your hydration plans.
Most marinas in the United States offer potable water for free or with fueling or slip rentals. Keep in mind, hoses may have been inappropriately inserted into black water tanks for post-pump out flushing. Never insert the hose directly into your freshwater tank.
Pre-filtering water before introducing it to your tank or storage receptacles is recommended if you are filling from an unfamiliar source. Simple activated charcoal filters that attach to any water hose or complex systems involving pumps and membranes can make a difference in your water quality.
If your cruising plans include The Bahamas or the Caribbean, be sure to have a water procurement plan. Larger municipalities may have free or low-cost water services, but this water is often from groundwater and not of optimal quality.
Most smaller islands do not rely on ground- water, instead, water is derived from a desalinating process by reverse osmosis. The rates for water vary considerably but can be between 20 to 75 cents per gallon. Often, it is not the cost, but the desire to avoid spending time looking for freshwater resources or stopping at marinas. That propels the discussion of onboard water makers.
Discussions about the merit of water makers on vessels fill boat forums regularly. Whether a water maker is a good fit for your boating lifestyle depends on how and where you cruise. Water makers facilitate freedom from shore resources for those who prefer anchoring or moorings to marina slips. They also provide peace of mind when navigating offshore or visiting areas where availability, cost and water quality are prohibitive.
Water makers rely on a series of low- and high-pressure pumps to force seawater through a membrane filter. This reverse osmosis process produces drinkable water from seawater. The cost of adding a water maker to your boat will depend on the capacity and type. The equipment cost alone can average over $7,000.
A dependable water maker can eliminate the need to locate clean water sources as you cruise and make managing usage less stressful. Cruise RO, SeaWater Pro and the Pelican 2-stage system are just a few of the available options on the market.
A dehydration level of only 2% (less than 1.5 gallons for a 175 lb. man) will result in significant fatigue and impaired performance. Making sure you and those aboard your boat have adequate hydration resources is an important part of responsible boating. As we drink in the beauty of the oceans and waterways in which we cruise, do not forget to drink in actual water. Stay hydrated, my friends.
Legendary Marina Resort at Blue Water Cay, located in Nassau in The Bahamas, is scheduled to open in 2025. This world-class marina will offer slips accommodating vessels up to 220 feet and a dry storage facility for vessels up to 55 feet that can withstand wind speeds of a Category 5 hurricane, and offer exceptional amenities and a dedicated staff. Visit legendarybluewatercay.com
Premier marina owner and operator, Suntex Marinas, is growing its Channel Islands Harbor properties with the purchase of Marine Emporium Landing in Oxnard, CA. As one of the most visited locations on the harbor drawing almost one million guests per year, the 12-slip marina accommodates vessels 30 – 100’ and offers whale watching, sportfishing, event charters and on-site retail. Go to suntex.com
As part of a strategic initiative to bolster its coastal marina portfolio, Norwest Marine recently announced the acquisition of Connors & O’Brien Marina, located nearby in Pawcatuck, CT. The combined facilities of Norwest Marine and Connors & O’Brien Marina offer more than 200 slips, as well as winter storage for up to 500 boats. For updates, go to norwestmarine.com
The up-and-coming south Baltimore region, known as Baltimore Peninsula, is transforming into a premier waterfront destination. Investment group BYB Prop Real Estate Partners and co-owner of Flohom, a luxury floating-home startup, recently acquired Baltimore Yacht Basin with plans to renovate the marina and expand facilities. The marina will have a total of 150 slips and house upscale Flohom vessels for short- and long-term rentals for residential and commercial use. Visit baltimoreyachtbasin.com
For over a decade, Marinalife hosted the annual Best Marina Contest where nationwide boaters vote to honor top transient destinations that exemplify world-class service. As we approach our 25th anniversary in 2025, we decided to revamp our contest and launch our 2024 Readers' Choice Awards, expanding to exciting new categories. Winners will be announced next year and featured in the magazine's 25th Anniversary special edition.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Fort Lauderdale, FL
October 30 – November 3, 2024
USVI Charter Yacht Show
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
November 8 – 11, 2024
St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show
St. Petersburg, FL
January 23 – 26, 2025
Miami International Boat Show
Miami, FL
February 12 – 16, 2025
Palm Beach International Boat Show
Palm Beach, FL
March 20 – 23, 2025
When boaters arrive at The Wharf in Washington, DC, they are greeted with upscale amenities and accommodations in the bustling neighborhood’s recent multimillion-dollar expansion. As the premier waterfront destination continues to grow, the marina is enhancing facilities to make boaters feel at home. Introducing the Floating Showerhouse, a collaborative innovation by Flohom and Seadwell — blending luxury design and convenience to elevate the guest experience.
Located on The Wharf’s Market Docks at the north end of the Washington Channel, the Showerhouse is a spacious floating restroom and shower facility with a cozy hotel feel. After enjoying a day on the water or exploring the District’s historic streets, marina guests can step inside the 30-foot-long, pristine-white, ADA-compliant facility, separated into four private washrooms, each featuring en suite showers, electric water heaters, toiletries and outlets for electronics.
Flohom, a startup that builds houseboats for upscale lodging experiences, partnered with Seadwell, a floating architecture and development company, to bring this concept to life. The unique floating structure is built with high-quality commercial grade finishes and high-end details.
“We’re creating a societal shift to the water,” says Flohom co-founder and CEO Brian Meyer. “This project is an example of a premier destination with a need to upgrade an amenity, and the marina didn’t have to go through the arduous process of zoning and planning on land to redo a bathroom facility.”
Michael Bruce, Flohom partner and founder of Seadwell, says The Wharf Marina was the perfect location to debut the first Showerhouse. Bruce led The Wharf’s waterside Development Team, overseeing construction of all marinas and public piers. This afforded him a unique understanding of the property’s needs as he collaborated with Meyer and the Wharf to replace the former restroom with a modern aesthetic and elevated user experience.
“What’s unique about this location is that it’s at the north end of the Potomac, so it’s a destination marina where guests are usually making a night of it and want to get changed and cleaned up,” says Bruce. “That’s why this marina really needed this key piece to complement the boaters’ experience.”
Weekends at The Wharf’s Market Pier are lively with vessels ranging from commercial charter operators and Carefree Boat Club members to day-docking transients. The new Showerhouse provides exclusive accessibility to marina guests in a safe, gated location.
“There’s a heavy amount of traffic down there and a lot of demand for nice facilities whether it’s to accommodate a guest of a commercial operator or somebody just grabbing lunch at The Wharf,” says Leigh Diemert, general manager of The Wharf Marina. “I think this is an incredible maritime innovation and new concept for real estate on the water.”
The Wharf boasts new restaurants, retail, green spaces, year-round attractions, and marina perks including a swanky boaters’ lounge, dock shop, and one of the only fuel docks on the Potomac River. Upcoming events and holiday celebrations include the Christmas Boat Parade held annually on the first Saturday in December.
The advantage of this style of Showerhouse or another type of floating amenity space is not only the fresh new look and guest experience, but also the convenience for marina owners looking to upgrade.
“A lot of marinas are built in close confines or have fully developed uplands, so there’s not a lot of space for them to upgrade or add amenities,” says Bruce. “There’s land restrictions, and due to higher water level issues throughout coastal regions, floodplain requirements have become more onerous.”
This type of floating facility provides another avenue for marina owners as they look to improve their property and reduce headaches with floodplain, zoning and permitting challenges. The process reduces land disturbances from construction zones, and the team works with developers and staff through the entire process to customize the property’s needs, design and functionality.
Flohom plans to expand to additional facilities in the future such as floating event spaces, dock offices and more, says Meyer.
“We’re excited to explore opportunities and shift society to a more water-centric lifestyle, and this is just one small example of the many things that can be done,” says Meyer. “This concept already exists and is prevalent in other parts of the world, so we aspire to modernize it for people here in the United States.”
Stay tuned for updates at flohom.com and seadwell.com
To inquire about a floating structure, please fill out this form.
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The city of Brunswick, GA, may be small — but small-town pride from the local boating community is immeasurable. Located along Georgia’s gorgeous Golden Isles, the historic town has a lot to celebrate this year with the centennial of F.J. Torras Causeway, a major route connecting Brunswick to St. Simons Island, as well as the 30th anniversary of Brunswick Landing Marina. On July 13, the Golden Isles community commemorated the causeway's 100th anniversary with a day of live music, vendors and themed celebrations.
Both the causeway and spacious 387-slip Brunswick Landing Marina are local Torras family legacies. Since 1994, the Torras family has grown the marina into a top-notch facility and strong boating community ranging from local liveaboards to returning visitors from across the world.
Located along the East River, the property has prospered into a popular social hub with free weekly happy hours and events, some even coordinated by the marina guests such as the recent “Brunswick Landing Marina Summer Olympics,” where boaters competed in fun, creative games.
The community is so dedicated that a few marina members participated in the “Decades” segment of the city’s Causeway Centennial Celebration where they represented the 1980s with a choreographed dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” dressing the part and executing a hilarious yet fabulous performance at the event.
The family-owned marina is currently managed by Michael Torras, whose great-great-grandfather, Rosendo Torras, originally immigrated from Spain as a merchant sailor who settled in Brunswick and ran a lumber exporting business. His son, Fernando Joseph Torras, became an engineer, served as city manager and built the F.J. Torras Causeway in 1924.
The next generation of Torras purchased an old manufacturing plant with deteriorating boats and sunken barges along downtown Brunswick’s waterfront and eventually bought 101 acres of the surrounding land from the local railroad company. The family built what began as a small marina with just five slips to what is now Brunswick Landing Marina’s thriving 387-slip destination.
“My grandfather grew up fishing and so did my dad and I, and when my grandfather said he wanted to put a marina there one day everyone told him he was crazy, because at the time, people kept their boats on St. Simons, Jekyll or Sea Island, and there wasn’t a need for big docks in downtown Brunswick,” says Michael Torras, “But he said he was going to do it anyway.”
After spending nearly a decade acquiring permits, Brunswick Landing Marina originally offered free dockage to fill up the first slips and then kept expanding every few years as customers grew. They constructed a yacht club facility onsite in 2010 with lounge areas, TVs and a fully stocked bar to continue the generous freebie tradition, transitioning from free dockage to free drinks. It began with complimentary beer on football Sundays, then free wine on “Wine Wednesdays,” and now the beloved present-day free happy hours hosted three times per week.
The marina completed the most recent dock expansion in 2021. “It is remarkable when you look at what’s been accomplished over that 30 years and you look at the fact that it started out as one dock and now it’s a massive area,” says President Daren Pietsch.
“My grandfather and dad built it up and Daren and I got to polish it up,” adds Torras. “We’re now working on the uplands.”
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The property continues to grow and accommodate boaters with a major waterfront renovation project in the works. They recently remodeled the marina office and opened a dedicated mail room for boaters. They also plan to add more docks and dry storage, open a new on-site restaurant, and work with the city to build a public boardwalk with retail, restaurants, and mixed-use space for offices and condos.
“We live in this coastal area, and there’s hardly any access to the waterfront and about only two restaurants where you can see the water,” says Torras. “So, we really wanted to open up the enjoyment of our area’s natural beauty.”
The facility also offers boat repair, concierge services and amenities such as a fitness center, bathhouses, laundry, lounges and propane grills on every dock. Conveniently located just 400 feet from the heart of downtown Brunswick, marina guests enjoy historic sightseeing and attractions including the Victorian-era Old Town Historic District.
Brunswick Landing Marina is a partner of the annual PorchFest, a free neighborhood music festival where front porches across Brunswick transform into small stages for a day of live performances and local vendors. Don’t miss this year’s festival on November 10, as well as the marina’s oyster festivals held in October, November and January.
Baltimore, MD – September 2024 – Marinalife, a portfolio company of Claritas Capital, is excited to announce the appointment of Kyle Devenezia as President, further strengthening Marinalife’s leadership team and reinforcing its commitment to provide tech-enabled tools and resources to the boating community.
Prior to joining Marinalife, Kyle served in the United States Army as a Special Forces Engineer, where he developed critical skills in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Following his service in the Army, he received his MBA from Indiana University. Most recently, Kyle served as Manager, Strategy & Transformation at MorganFranklin Consulting, leading complex business initiatives and delivering transformative results for a wide range of clients.
“Kyle’s arrival marks a promising new chapter for Marinalife,” said Dan Cowens, Founder of Snag-A-Slip and Chairman of Marinalife. “We have an incredibly strong and talented team in place, and Kyle’s fresh perspective and proven leadership will complement our existing strengths. Jen Leroux, CEO of Marinalife added, “His background in driving growth through innovation will be instrumental as we continue to expand our product offerings and enhance our digital platforms to better serve the boating community.”
Theresa Sexton, Partner at Claritas Capital agreed, “We’re thrilled to welcome Kyle to the Marinalife and Snag-A-Slip team. His ability to integrate his military and consulting experiences with our seasoned team’s deep industry knowledge will propel the company to new levels of success. We’re confident that under Kyle’s leadership, Marinalife will continue to lead the marina industry with groundbreaking solutions.”
“I’m excited to join Marinalife and Snag-A-Slip, where the dedication of the entire crew truly inspired me to come on board. From my conversations with the team and stakeholders, it’s clear this is a company focused on delivering excellence. There’s so much potential in the boating industry, and I’m excited to work alongside this incredible group to bring innovative solutions that support the needs of boaters, marinas, and partners alike,” said Kyle DeVenezia, President of Marinalife and Snag-A-Slip.
With Kyle at the helm, Marinalife is poised to capitalize on the growing boating industry, leveraging the strength of the leadership team to innovate and deliver unparalleled value to both boaters and marinas. This appointment underscores the companies’ commitment to being at the forefront of the marina industry, driving transformative growth and making boating easier and more accessible for everyone.
Marinalife was founded with a vision to enhance the boating experience by connecting boaters with marinas through innovative technology and exceptional service. Since our inception, we have been dedicated to providing the boating community with the tools and resources needed to get underway and fully embrace life on the water.
In 2018, Marinalife joined forces with Snag-A-Slip, a leading online boat slip reservation platform. This strategic combination allowed us to offer a more comprehensive and seamless service, bringing together the best of both worlds: Marinalife's comprehensive boating resources and Snag-A-Slip's convenient booking capabilities.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Taylor Hollen Marketing Coordinator
Thollen@marinalife.com
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Are you a natural born entrepreneur with a passion for the water? Would you like to bring a country club experience to your boating community? Do you want to bring in recurring revenue while doing what you love? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then owning a boat club is the perfect fit for you!
Nautical Boat Club, known as the first and only boating country club, has provided a luxury, fun and hassle-free boat life for more than 30 years. As leaders in the recreational boating industry, the club is seeking partners with a vision to create a lasting legacy while making life-long memories for members.
The benefits of becoming a boat club franchise owner are ideal for anyone with industry experience or entrepreneurs who want to get their feet wet.
Jon Dukes, owner of two Nautical Boat Club locations, left the corporate world in 2006 to join the team and has thrived as a boat club owner ever since. His first location was on Lake Murray in South Carolina, and he opened another in Mount Pleasant, SC, around six years ago.
“Nautical is great about supporting you fully with the operation of the business, acquisition of boats, insurance, etc., so they do a lot to support their owners and operators,” says Dukes. "What I’ve told people who are considering becoming part of the franchise, your ramp up time and your time to profitability is much shorter today than it was when I joined.”
Members love the boat club culture:
With more than 30 years of experience, Nautical has consistently received recognition as one of the best member-reviewed boat clubs in the industry. First-class equipment, service, and experience make it easy to attract and retain members.
Reliable, year-round revenue in top-notch territories:
Ownership offers a reliable and scalable business model that ensures stable cash flow while minimizing risk. Opportunities include premium markets with superb marinas readily available to provide exceptional earning potential and growth prospects.
Premium equipment via exclusive relationships:
Over time, Nautical has fostered strong partnerships with leading dealers, manufacturers and suppliers allowing for discounted rates for boats, insurance and much more. The club’s consistently rotating fleet features the latest models from top companies including Regal, Cobalt, Pursuit Boats and more.
Superior, hands-on support & smart, seamless operations:
Nautical provides unrivaled business coaching and personalized support, from discovery to launch and beyond. Proprietary software efficiently manages online reservations, automated emails, member-activity tracking, boat maintenance, financial reporting, and more, so you can focus on growth.
Marina operators can diversify their revenue streams by becoming Nautical Boat Club owners, leveraging their existing facilities and expertise to create a thriving, member-focused boating community. Partnering with Nautical Boat Club brings consistent and increased foot traffic to your marina, boosts sales at on-site businesses, and enhances your marina's prestige. The collaboration diversifies revenue streams through slip rent, fuel sales and maintenance services, while providing access to the latest boating models and shared marketing efforts for continuous visibility and engagement.
From day one, a team of experts will provide you with personalized support including:
With new territories available in the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast regions, there's never been a better time to become a franchise owner. Join Nautical Boat Club and transform your passion for boating into a thriving business. Contact the team today to learn more and secure your spot in these prime locations!
For more info, visit nauticalboatclub.com/start-a-franchise
Paris is currently packed with spectators from around the world witnessing athletic greatness at the 2024 Olympic Games. For water sports fans, Marinalife’s summer issue presented a 2024 Summer Olympics Watersports Guide breakdown of events ranging from artistic swimming, diving, surfing and water polo to rowing, slalom, sprint and sailing. As this weekend hosts the last events, we recap victories for Team USA and anticipate the finals. Here are some highlights.
This year celebrates girl power as the women of Team USA took home multiple medals in various aquatic sports. Securing a win on the first day of games, USA swimmers Katie Grimes and Emma Weyant won silver and bronze in the women’s 400m individual medley. The USA women’s diving team claimed a victory as Kassidy Cook and Sarah Bacon won silver in the women’s 3m synchronized springboard. USA also dominated swimming and broke a world record while taking home the gold in the women’s 4x100 medley relay.
One of the most exciting USA victories honors gold medalist Katie Ledecky, a Maryland native and returning champ, who made history by becoming the second swimmer ever to win an event at four straight Summer Games. Right off the bat, Ledecky took bronze in the 400m freestyle swim. This race was one of the most hyped watersport events as Ledecky faced off with Australian defending champ, Ariarne Titmus.
Ledecky returned with a vengeance and won two gold medals in Paris dominating both the women’s 800m and 1500m freestyle finals. The only other athlete to win more golds is legendary swimmer Michael Phelps — also a Maryland native. Ledecky is now the most decorated U.S. female Olympian in history.
The men of Team USA’s watersports also celebrated monumental moments as swimmer Bobby Finke won the gold in the men’s 1500m free and set a new world record. The US Sailing Team took home the bronze in the men’s skiff (49er) event, achieving the team’s first Olympic medal since Rio 2016.
Catch the finale of life performance broadcasted on NBC’s streaming platform Peacock and stay tuned at olympics.com/en/paris-2024
With summer in full swing, boaters are in the peak of busy season on the water. And with more vessels at sea comes more situations prone to accidents. However, this year brings good news to the boating community as the United States Coast Guard (USCG) released the 2023 recreational boating statistics report showing a drop in fatalities and incidents.
According to the USCG, the report concluded that fatalities fell by 11.3% from 2022, while overall incidents decreased by 4.9%. The data is based on incidents that resulted in one of the following: death, disappearance, injury that required medical treatment beyond first aid, damages to a vessel, loss of a vessel, or other property damage equal to or exceeding $2,000.
The report also concludes that 75% of fatalities are attributed to individuals operating vessels who have not received proper safety instructions. USCG and organizations across the nation such as United States Power Squadrons and the National Safe Boating Council work diligently to prioritize water safety by advocating for laws and requirements and providing safety courses and helpful resources for recreational boaters.
The July 4th weekend is known to be the busiest holiday on the water, as well as a kickoff to the big cruising season. This holiday also means celebratory alcohol consumption and partying on the water, posing more risks.
Plus, this year the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) reported a statistically safer July 4th holiday weekend compared to past years. Even though the boating accident numbers decreased, the arrest rate increased, showing the state’s strict enforcement to benefit boater safety.
As of July 1, a new Maryland law was introduced, Nick’s Law, allowing the court system to prohibit Operating Under the Influence (OUI) offenders from operating a vessel in state waters for up to two to five years. NRP launched the Operation Dry Water campaign in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators as a joint effort to conduct what is known as “saturation patrols,” increasing the number of officer coverage in popular drinking areas throughout the state.
The boating industry offers tons of opportunities to take advantage of safety resources and get involved in the community. It’s up to the boater to ensure due diligence and responsible behavior when enjoying time on the water whether that means signing up for boating safety courses, conducting proper research and taking precautions for emergency preparation, or even taking Sea Tow Foundation’s Sober Skipper Pledge and promising to be a DD. Check out the following organizations for boater safety resources:
When Category 4 Hurricane Ian made landfall in 2022, marinas across the Caribbean Sea to the Gulf Coast faced millions of dollars in damages forcing properties to close and rebuild from square one. Many marinas managed to recover quickly while others spent the past two years restoring and upgrading systems with dependable, hurricane-rated equipment.
Southwestern Florida took a huge hit from the storm, impacting marina destinations across the coast. After complete destruction, Snook Bight Marina in Fort Myers Beach worked with Golden Marine Systems and RJ Gorman Marine Construction to reopen the facility in record time. The marina’s new Golden 850 Series aluminum docks are crafted with premium marine-grade structure and stainless-steel hardware for durability and resistance. The track system allows for adjustable cleats, pile guides and top-notch finger piers.
“When it comes to hurricane survivability, it certainly is the dock system and its ability to perform in a wind-wave situation. Our docks roll and articulate with wind and wave, which prevents binding and breaking apart,” says Michael Shanley, president of Golden Marine Systems. “Another thing that attributes to a dock surviving is the pile system — piles have to be robust, properly embedded and they have to have a sufficient top elevation.”
One of the main issues that happens in a storm and causes dock systems to fail is piles that are not high enough. When marinas face a storm surge, docks simply float above the pile system and float away leading to a domino effect of surrounding damage. Golden’s intricate dock system and pile design are key factors to hurricane survival.
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Golden Boat Lifts and Golden Marine Systems have been manufacturing and installing marine equipment for more than 30 years, providing skilled work and top-notch facilities across the globe. They are not only committed to safe, reliable and eco-friendly construction, but they are dedicated to exceptional service and provide operator’s agreements that ensure training and step-by-step instructions for each installment. Stay tuned for updates at goldenboatlifts.com and goldenmarinesystems.com
Baltimore, MD – July 3, 2024 – Marinalife, the premier resource for the boating community, announces the launch of our first annual 2024 Readers' Choice Awards, celebrating our 25th year of serving boaters with comprehensive and trusted tools and resources for the maritime industry.
This year’s awards are an exciting expansion of our annual Best Marinas Contest, reflecting our commitment to honor maritime excellence and underscoring our dedication to celebrating the exceptional efforts of our marina partners. Our boating community will vote for the best marinas, favorite destinations, and incredible boater experiences.
"Marinalife has been a trusted companion to boaters for a quarter of a century, and our Readers' Choice Awards are a testament to the vibrant community we've built together," said Jen Leroux, CEO of Marinalife. "We're excited to expand this year's awards to encompass a wider range of categories, offering more opportunities to recognize the outstanding contributions that enhance the boating experience."
Categories for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards include:
Voting is open now through September 30, 2024, and winners will be recognized at a special event in early 2025 and announced in a special issue of Marinalife Magazine and online at www.marinalife.com. All participants in the voting process will be entered into a drawing to win a complimentary one-year membership to Marinalife.
As we celebrate this milestone year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our readers, partners, and the entire boating community. Your passion and feedback continue to drive us forward, and we look forward to honoring the marinas, destinations and services that make your journeys memorable.
About Marinalife
Founded by lifelong boaters, Marinalife delivers tools and resources to allow the boating community to fully embrace life on the water. Marinalife joined with Snag-A-Slip in 2017 and together, we create tech-enabled solutions, allowing boaters and marinas to easily connect and transact. Headquartered in Baltimore, MD, our crew is passionate about two things: boating and delivering exceptional service to our customers.
Contact:
Marketing Department
Marinalife
Phone: (410) 752-0505
Email: marketing@marinalife.com
Website: www.marinalife.com
In celebration of 25 years of Marinalife, we’re thrilled to announce the expansion of our annual Best Marina Contest. This year, we’re broadening our scope to honor not just the best large and small marinas, but a variety of categories that celebrate the heart and soul of the boating community.
Best Marinas: Best Overall Marina, Storage Marina, Boat Service, Amenities, Hidden Gem
Boater Experiences: Best Dockside Bar, Friendliest Marina Staff, Best Entertainment, Most Pet-Friendly Marina
Favorite Destinations: From pristine beaches to vibrant coastal towns, boaters can celebrate their favorite boating destinations.
Voting is easy! Simply select your favorites in each category and submit your votes. All votes will be entered for a chance to win a free 1-Year Marinalife Cruising Club + Sea Tow Membership!
Below are two social media posts you can share with your audience to encourage your customers to vote for your marina. Feel free to customize the post with specific details about your marina and any additional categories you’d like to emphasize to your audience. The graphic included below can also be used to promote your post on social media.
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🚤 Cast Your Votes in the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards! 🚤
We’re excited to announce that Marinalife is celebrating 25 years with the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards! Vote for us as your favorite marina! Plus, voters have a chance to win a free 1-Year Marinalife Cruising Club + Sea Tow Membership! Vote Now https://bit.ly/469Bd3o
🌟 Vote for [Your Marina Name] in the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards! 🌟
We’re thrilled to be part of Marinalife’s 25th anniversary celebration with the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards! If you love our marina as much as we do, show your support by voting for us in the following categories:
Vote now: https://bit.ly/469Bd3o
[Change categories based on what applies for your marina]
DOCKMATE WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL
Dockmate
Put the helm in your hand with this state-of-the-art remote-controlled docking system. The joysticks provide fully proportional control of the boat’s engine and thruster, analogue and mechanical engine controls, and wireless extension.
XENTA CONTROL SYSTEMS
XENTA
This company’s product range features electronic throttles, electrohydraulic steering systems, joysticks, flaps and remote-control systems. The systems work great independently but deliver best results when integrated.
WIRELESS YACHT CONTROL SYSTEM
Astel Marine
This European manufacturer produces high-quality electronic marine equipment such as LED underwater and dock lights and wireless control systems. The MYW868B systems are a patented-design, low-power consumption, easy-to-use docking tool for all boaters.
SIONYX APPLICATIONS
Sionyx
For high-performance image sensors and camera components, Sionyx offers a wide range of low-light vision applicaitons. XQE image sensors feature low-light imaging technology and breakthrough sensitivity to navigate in the dark with ease. Products are fully customizable and reliable under demanding environmental conditions.
YACHT CONTROLLER OPTIMO
Yacht Controller
This wireless controller is designed for center consoles and vessels up to 55 feet. Features include engine and thruster with multiple channel combinations on dual frequencies and pulsating remote-advising range limit approach.
ROUGH RIDER SYSTEM
Seahorse Docking
This innovative and durable mooring system presents the ultimate dockage security. The Rough Rider sliding cleat-on-rail tie-down system easily mounts to pilings, seawalls or concrete columns and seamlessly glides up and down with wave action to ensure taut lines. ($379 - $1,319)
SLIDEMOOR
SlideMoor Boat Docking Systems
If you have your own dock, then this product is perfect for you! The unit consists of an aluminum track typically affixed to a piling aligning with a cleat on the vessel, a custom-made slide with linear bearing and rubber bumper, a stainless steel RatcheTite Line Tensioner with low-stretch line, as well as accessories designed to keep vessels stationary and secure. (Prices vary)
DOCKSIDER 2.0
Line Caddy
Prevent your dock lines from sliding down the pole with this convenient mounting hook. The newly revamped Docksider 2.0 is 6 feet long and lets you effortlessly mount vertically or horizontally, keeping your lines at arm’s reach. ($94.99)
VERSATILE BOAT LOOP
The Boat Loop
This durable fiberglass loop extends from 3 to 7 feet beyond your boat or dock, and is ideal for grabbing cleats and looping dock posts. The flexible loop is removable and easily compactible for storage. ($99.95 - $279)
General Manager
Calabash Marina
Calabash, NC
How long have you been at Calabash Marina and what brought you here?
After almost 20 years of working in law enforcement and the last seven as the supervisor of the Marine Patrol Unit, I was always drawn toward the marine industry. I’ve been at Calabash Marina for six months now and when given the opportunity to come onboard as the general manager, my family helped me make the nerve-jangling but exciting decision.
What should everyone do or see at your marina?
The marina is truly amazing from its location to the waterside porches and docks, as well as our new building, ship store and amenities. There is so much here to enjoy.
If you could spend a day on the water with anyone, who would it be?
My wife and kids — this is one of our favorite things to do. We enjoy meeting up with other families and friends and cooking out and just enjoying the day.
Name the top three songs on your summer boating playlist.
“Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” by Jimmy Buffett, “The Life,” by Kenny Chesney and “The Seashores of Old Mexico,” by George Strait.
What is one of your best boating memories?
My wife and I would take our deck boat out on the lake after work and just anchor out. We would fire up the grill and cook steaks, baked beans and vegetables. Sitting out there on the water allowed us to escape reality for a little while.
Where is your favorite cruising spot?
That’s a secret ... My family and I love to cruise the ICW from Myrtle Beach to Southport. We do enjoy beaching up at some of the local backwater beaches.
Where do you send people for an authentic dining experience when they arrive at your marina?
Calabash is known for seafood but anywhere is amazing as it’s a neat little fishing town with a wide variety of food. You find several seafood restaurants as well as Greek, Italian, Peruvian, Asian and some good burger and barbeque spots.
Describe yourself in three words.
Genuine. Hardworking. Determined.
What are you most excited about for summertime at the marina?
I’m excited to see all the fruits of our labor come to light. Everyone on my team has worked so hard and put their personal touch on Calabash Marina, and now we are ready to see everyone enjoying the property.
What is the number one attraction you recommend for visitors to your area?
The beach. We have some of the most beautiful beaches out there. They are even more extraordinary to see by water as you pull your boat or our rental boats up to the beach. Catch it at the right time, and you will have the entire private beach to yourself, for you and your family and friends to enjoy.
During a recent conversation with my survey customers, they asked about boatyards and if there was a way to ensure they were choosing the right yard. By posing a few questions about their preferences for how they want to maintain their boat and what their cruising areas would be, I came up with a few questions to ask boatyard managers before selecting the ideal place.
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When it comes to boatyards, no two are alike. A boatyard is made up of capabilities and skills pertaining to haul out capacity, draft and depth into the area, technical skills, and certifications based on manufacturers (boats and systems). In addition to the technical side, the yard manager and staff provide the customer-facing side, and their ability to communicate and manage projects is a critical skill most often overlooked when selecting a yard, yet the most common complaint from customers.
Having an approach when selecting the boatyard that’s responsible for annual maintenance and repairs ensures a safe and uninterrupted cruising season. You should expect to spend time talking to the yard manager, following up on task schedules and in turn answering calls from the manager when things change.
Smart boaters also understand the more the yard knows about their boat, the better service they will receive from the yard. Boatyards want to deliver the best service they can but need customers to participate in the process of communicating throughout the entire project.
With the complexity of our boats and their systems today, having a competent and trustworthy boatyard that knows you, your boat and its systems can be the difference between an enjoyable boating season or sitting in the wrong yard all season long.
By asking these questions, you can put yourself in a better position to find the right yard for you.
Can I do some of the work myself while my boat is in the yard?
Owning a boat comes with annual maintenance and repairs that can be costly if paying a yard to do everything. Some maintenance requires specialized tools and skills that you will want a boatyard to handle, but you can tackle many tasks yourself. These may include bottom painting, replacing anodes and changing fluids (oil, transmission, coolant). While the boatyard hauls and blocks, find out if you can work simultane- ously on your items while the yard does its work.
While this is wise and economical for the boater, some yards do not allow owners to work on their own boats while in the yard. Reasons for this may be insurance-related, or it might not be cost efficient for the boatyard if space is limited and they are trying to keep their own staff busy.
It’s important to understand what the boatyard does and doesn’t allow if you want to do some of the work yourself. For instance, I am currently experimenting with different bottom paints on my small fishing boat and want to ensure the bottom is prepped and painted the same way while testing paints. Because of this I am doing the work but have worked it out with the yard to haul and block the boat so I can do the painting.
I also order materials through the yard. By doing this, I give the yard some business while also taking on the tasks myself and saving money. By sharing the work, instead of just taking up space, borrowing tools and asking for free advice, it’s helpful to create a true partnership that benefits both you and the yard.
Is the staff trained and certified on the systems and equipment on my boat?
Knowing what you need helps ensure the boatyard is qualified to do the work. Asking about technical qualifications, experience and certifications is one of the most frequent questions yard managers get from prospective customers.
Most of the time, this information is advertised by the yard or posted on its website and social media so boaters can search for the needed services. If you have a John Deere engine or a Northern Lights generator, having a technician that is trained on that equipment is important. If the systems are still under warranty, it is essential for the technicians to be certified in most cases if you want that work covered by the manufacturer.
Where are you located, and do you have a mobile service or partnerships with other yards that support my cruising locations?
If you have a relatively short travel range from your home port, maybe your local boatyard meets all your needs. However, if you travel up and down the East Coast, you might want to look for a boatyard that provides options for meeting your broader cruising requirements.
A boatyard with multiple locations or one that has a mobile service to extend its reach can provide confidence for boaters in their travels and keep the knowledge all at one place. The ability to look at past maintenance items and recall repairs or problems from earlier visits will provide a more comprehensive understanding and a greater probability to get you back on the water quickly.
Do you have references that you are willing to share based on the projects I am looking to do?
Boatyards are made or broken based on their reputation with the boating community. Online forums, social media and reviews can make selecting a boatyard less scary. Negative reviews and references are easy to find about most businesses, and if you’re looking for something bad, you will find it.
However, smart boaters look at all the reviews and follow up with the yard manager to understand the comments. That helps the yard manager understand what you expect from the project in terms of timeline, cost and work performed. References are a great point of information, but remember they are only one point of many that you should consider while making a decision.
A boatyard is more than just a place to drop off your boat for repairs. The right boatyard becomes the boaters’ partner in managing and maintaining their boat. The right boatyard develops a plan with the smart boater that ensures preventive maintenance is scheduled and performed on all the systems at the right time and can troubleshoot and repair the boat when repairs are needed. Asking these questions will put you on track to find the right boatyard for you.
Whether you’re just starting out your boating journey or you’re an experienced boater, finding yourself in restricted visibility can be a fearful and dangerous experience if you don’t know the rules. Most recreational boaters try not to set schedules when traveling in bad weather. But even the best planning can quickly change and surprise us with heavy fog or rain right when we enter an inlet or other heavy traffic area where navigation around other vessels is required.
You must follow a few essential rules and tips to make this event less stressful and avoid a collision. But before understanding the rules, it’s important to understand the definition of restricted visibility, because the rules are specific for what the captain needs to do.
The term “restricted visibility” means any condition in which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms or any other similar causes. While this may seem like common sense, it’s essential to know the rules to follow when you are in or near an area that falls within the definition, because other vessels will take similar actions. Staying calm and having patience when navigating in restricted visibility could mean the difference between life and death.
COLREGS (international rules) and U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations (inland rules) provide instructions for navigating in most circumstances and were designed and implemented to reduce collisions. Specifically, Rule 19 deals with vessels in “Restricted Visibility” when navigating. Additional rules for vessels at anchor or aground are available, but those will not be covered in this article.
Rule 19 applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility and states the following:
a. Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have her engines ready for immediate maneuver. Remember, a sailboat under engine power is considered a power-driven vessel.
b. Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility when complying with the Rules of Section I of this Part.
c. A vessel that detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing and/or risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible the following shall be avoided:
Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel that hears apparently forwards of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forwards of her beam, shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course. She shall if necessary take all her way off and navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.
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If you have never read any of the rules from the COLREGS or Inland Navigation Rules in the U.S.C.G. booklet, I would strongly recommend it. Below are additional tips to support the rules and added context that may help you.
Slowing down to a safe speed based on the conditions but still allowing control and steerage of the vessel based on wind and current is the best description of what “safe speed” is about. If it’s necessary, you may need to come to a complete stop and navigate with extreme caution until the danger is gone.
While Automatic Identification System (AIS) is not called out in the rules, it can be a big help to recreational boaters, as more and more boats are now fitted with it. AIS Transmit and Receive capabilities can let other vessels know where you are and let you know where other vessels equipped with AIS are located. AIS also provides you with the vessel identifier or name that allows you to communicate easily.
Use your VHF Radio. Don’t wait to communicate if you know other vessels are nearby. If you don’t understand their actions, then hail them on the radio and ask their intentions.
Remember, you are responsible for you and your crew’s safety. Never assume the other boat will do the right thing. By following these rules and applying common sense, you will be better prepared to navigate in all conditions, even restricted visibility.
Nautical Boat Club Grows in Wisconsin & Texas
Founded more than two decades ago, this boat club pioneer brings a luxury country club experience to marina communities. Nautical Boat Club recently added two new locations at South Bay Marina in Green Bay, WI, and Kemah Boardwalk Marina in Kemah, TX, now totaling at 26 clubs and growing. Take advantage of membership benefits including access to a first-class fleet, watersport rentals, a range of excursions and more. Visit nauticalboatclub.com
Suntex Announces New Partnership & Destinations
As Suntex Marinas rapidly grows, this marina owner and operator recently announced a new partnership with Almar Marinas, one of the largest marina operators on the West Coast. A few Almar marinas merging with Suntex include Marina Del Rey Marina, Peninsula Yacht Marina and Bahia Marina in California. Suntex also recently added to its Northeast roster by acquiring Lighthouse Point Marina & Yacht Club in Toms River, NJ. This scenic destination boasts 243 wet slips located on a fully protected breakwater leading into Jersey’s Barnegat Bay. Visit suntex.com
Pier 4 Marina Coming Soon to Boston Waterfront
New England marina owner and operator, Ocean Havens, is in the works of adding another property to its growing portfolio. Due to the success of Fan Pier Marina, Ocean Havens is permitting another state-of-the-art marina next door at Pier 4. In the heart of the new Seaport District, Pier 4 Marina will offer stunning views of Boston Harbor and personalized concierge service. Guests of the marina only have to walk up the gangway to enjoy dining at Woods Hill Pier 4 and The Nautilus, a Nantucket favorite. Stay tuned for updates at oceanhavens.com
As we approach our 25th anniversary celebration, Marinalife and our sponsor Tito’s Hand- made Vodka want to see how you toast to good times on the water. Send us the recipe for your favorite boat beverage made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and share a photo of you raising a glass for a chance to be featured in Marinalife. Submit your recipes by October 1 at marinalife.com/2024bestboatdrinks
Don’t Miss our Photo Contest Deadline!
Attention all creative seafarers! Check out our sixth-annual photo contest where we encourage everyone from amateur shutterbugs to seasoned photographers to send the best snapshots of what you love about boating and the cruising lifestyle. Submit your photos by July 19 at marinalife.com/2024photocontest
Atlantic City In-Water Boat Show
Atlantic City, NJ September 5 - 8
Newport International Boat Show
Newport, RI September 12 - 15
Trawlerfest Baltimore
Baltimore, MD September 24 - 28
United States Powerboat Show
Annapolis, MD October 3 - 6
United States Sailboat Show
Annapolis, MD October 10 - 14
Crank up the boat, patriotic tunes and summer vibe this holiday with seaside celebrations along East Coast towns. From the Hudson River to the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay, enjoy parades, music, and family-friendly activities, and watch fireworks light up the night across the following beaches and city skylines for Independence Day.
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks
Manhattan, NY
For the first time in over a decade, this larger-than-life patriotic celebration returns to the Hudson River. Honor the 48th year of Macy’s fireworks spectacular and witness the ultimate salute to the American spirit with bedazzling pyrotechnics and drones.
Long Branch, NJ
Join the biggest Independence Day celebration on the Jersey Shore at this all-day event. Food and craft vendors, live performances, family-friendly activities, and the grand fireworks display take place along the oceanfront promenade.
Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on the Boardwalk
Wildwood, NJ
Celebrate along this vacation town’s three-pier boardwalk with fireworks synchronized to patriotic music and launched from the beach at Pine Avenue. The show begins at 10:00 p.m.
Lewes, DE
The Go Fourth Lewes organization hosts this longstanding tradition to bring a free and completely citizen-funded display to the waterfront. Start the day with old-fashioned kid’s games starting at 9:00 a.m., then the Independence Day Boat Parade along the canal at 1:30 p.m., followed by the Doo-Dah Parade at 5:00 p.m., and fireworks at dusk.
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Bethany Beach, DE
One of Delaware’s most beloved beach towns along the Atlantic hosts a parade through the downtown area, followed by a concert on the bandstand and beachfront fireworks.
Fourth of July at the Inner Harbor
Baltimore, MD
Inner Harbor
Celebrate like a true patriot on the same waterfront where our country’s national anthem was written. Head to the Inner Harbor for festivities, live performances, vendors and a front-row view of the fireworks display or lounge on your boat and view from various spots on the Patapsco River.
City of Annapolis 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
Annapolis, MD
Chesapeake boaters love to celebrate Independence Day in Maryland’s state capital as downtown Annapolis hosts an annual waterfront extravaganza. The July 4th parade starts at Amos Garrett Boulevard and West Street, followed by fireworks along the harbor at 9:15 p.m. View from City Dock, the Naval Academy Bridge, and basically anywhere along Spa Creek or aboard a boat.
Ocean City, MD
This iconic beach town boasts patriotic festivities and two great shows. Music and fireworks take place in two locations: Downtown Beach at the inlet and Northside Park uptown at 125th Street.
Washington, DC
Where else is better to commemorate America’s birthday than the nation’s capital? Head to the bustling District Wharf to enjoy a free celebration from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Live music, vendors and attractions take place along District Pier.
4th of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks
Norfolk, VA
Relax along the lawn and enjoy one of Hampton Road’s most spectacular holiday shows at Town Point Park along the downtown waterfront. The picnic provides all-American grub including hot dogs, hamburgers, cotton candy and more. Catch fireworks along the Elizabeth River at 9:30 p.m.
Virginia Beach, VA
Gaze upon sparkling skies along the Atlantic oceanfront from three locations at this annual star-spangled celebration. Catch live music and amazing firework shows at 17th, 24th and 31st Street parks.
As Marinalife kicks off its 25th year, we’d like to pay homage to our hometown of Baltimore and show our pride in being part of this vibrant community. To match our quarter-century celebration, we’re touting 25 of our favorite attractions around Charm City and encouraging you to visit these local treasures.
1. FORT MCHENRY
Perched on a grassy knoll along the Patapsco River, this pentagon-shaped fort has safeguarded Baltimore Harbor from 1798 to World War II. Its claim to fame harkens back to the War of 1812 when American defenses outsmarted the British at the Battle of Baltimore and inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the Star-Spangled Banner. As a national park, McHenry treats guests to stellar waterfront views, green space for picnics and historic tales of U.S. military might.
2. BROMO SELTZER ARTS TOWER
Opened in 1911 by Emerson Drug Company as the city’s timekeeper and tallest building until 1923, the clock tower promoted a popular remedy for headaches, heartburn and too many Natty Boh beers. The clock still runs, and its 15-story tower now houses studio space for visual and literary artists, and a collection of vintage Bromo Seltzer bottles.
3. PATTERSON PARK PAGODA
With a gamut of outdoor amenities, such as playgrounds, swimming pool, dog park, tennis courts, open fields and more, Patterson Park has been the epitome of urban green space since 1827. These 137 acres of high ground on Hampstead Hill are also home to the “Pagoda,” an observatory tower that reflects the Victorian penchant for Asian architecture. Climbing to the top of the 60-foot-tall structure unveils a 360-degree view of Baltimore, the Patapasco River and points beyond.
4. TALL SHIPS OF THE SEA
In Baltimore, history is not confined to textbooks and lecture halls. Its maritime legacy comes alive, floats in the harbor and travels around the globe. The topsail schooner, Pride of Baltimore II, was built in the style of a Baltimore clipper to honor the city’s war history and resilience. She has sailed to 200 ports in 40 countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia, logging 270,000 nautical miles in 35 years. Inner Harbor offers a safe port to four grand vessels: USS Constellation sloop of war, LV116 Chesapeake lightship, USS Torsk Navy submarine, and USCG Cutter 37 law enforcement ship. To get a glimpse at America’s nautical past, come aboard vessels and take a tour.
5. FELLS POINT
With cobblestone streets and buildings dating back to the mid- 1700s, this waterfront neighborhood has been a hub of maritime and shipbuilding traditions for centuries. A faded sign on a brick wall defying Prohibition serves as a reminder that the pubs have poured refreshments for thirsty patrons since George Washington’s days. The roster of 100+ small businesses includes ethnic restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, galleries and markets. Broadway Pier offers a safe harbor to U.S. Coast Guard and Navy ships, towboats, and historic sailing vessels, and the nearby upscale Sagamore Pendry Hotel building (formerly Recreation Pier, circa 1914) has lived many lives from the shipyard’s working pier to a social dance hall and set for the TV show Homicide, Life on the Streets.
6. FEDERAL HILL
When you stroll through the public park past replica cannons on top of Federal Hill, it’s easy to see how it was a strategic military overlook during the War of 1812 and remains an ideal vantage point to gaze down on Baltimore Harbor. Rising 80 feet above the waterfront, this historic neighborhood bustles with brick rowhouses, bars, diverse eateries, markets, retail shops, museums, galleries and churches. Sports bars are aplenty, adding to a robust nightlife in close walking distance to M&T Bank Stadium and Camden Yards.
7. EQUITECH
As a recently designated federal Tech Hub, Baltimore’s tech economy is growing with over 500 startups, 54 capital providers, and 11.3% of our workforce. Our Tech Hub is uniquely Baltimore: every Tuesday, the tech community — from tech veterans to newcomers — comes together at UpSurge, Baltimore’s Equitech Tuesday. Founders, investors, corporate and institutional leaders, economic development experts, and government officials are all aligning around an inspiring vision: to build an Equitech city, a new model for American innovation and economic prosperity.
8. TRADEPOINT ATLANTIC
For 125 years, Bethlehem Steel’s Sparrows Point facility led the world in building ships and manufacturing steel and iron used in expansive efforts from the Golden Gate Bridge to military armament in both World Wars. A few years after the steel mill shuttered in July 2012, new owner Redwood Holdings began transforming the 3,300-acre site into a massive industrial revitalization project where companies could access the deep-water port, train rail and interstate highway systems. The growing development is now home to distribution centers for global companies such as Amazon, FedEx Ground, Home Depot, Volkswagen, McCormick, BMW, Royal Farms and more.
9. UNDER ARMOUR
Locals feel a sense of hometown pride when they walk down the street wearing Under Armour apparel, knowing those shirts and shoes were created by Baltimore native Kevin Plank. What started as a unique fabric designed to keep athletes dry has grown into a world-wide sportswear giant headquartered in the redeveloped Port Covington area along the Patapsco. At its sprawling campus, the company makes outdoor attire for everyone from little league baseball hopefuls to Olympic athletes and major league teams.
10. DOMINO SUGAR SIGN
In 1922, Domino Sugar plant opened in Inner Harbor among many other manufacturing companies. Today it’s home to the only remaining smokestack from that industrial era. The 120-foot-tall sign was installed in 1951, becoming an iconic image. In February 1922, the old neon light was turned off, dismantled and replaced with a LED light replica during a $2 million restoration project. Some of the old letters were donated to local charities, but the “D” was too corroded with rust to salvage, so its metal was pressed into souvenir medallions and given to employees and the Baltimore Museum of Industry.
11. H&S BAKERY
When Harry Tsakalos and Steve Paterakis left Greece and arrived in Baltimore, they started a bakery that became an embodiment of the positive impact that immigrant families bring to America. Founded in 1943, the bakery’s big break came in the 1970s with a deal to supply sandwich buns and English muffins to the fast-food behemoth McDonalds. The business has since expanded to seven states with 30 distribution centers, but the family-owned bakery remains in Harbor East playing a major role in the neighborhood’s revitalization and donating to health and food-related charities such as University of Maryland Hospital and Baltimore Hunger Project. The adult grandchildren of the Paterakis family created Atlas Restaurant Group, an emerging hospitality company with 30+ bars, restaurants and entertainment venues across the county.
12. RAVENS FOOTBALL
When the Colts slinked out of town in 1984, Baltimore fans felt shocked and abandoned by their beloved football team. But when an NFL franchise returned to the city for the 1996 season, the team was named after a poem by local literary icon Edgar Allen Poe, and the Ravens resumed play at M&T Bank Stadium with gusto. In the past 25 years, they won the Super Bowl twice (2001 and 2013) and fought their way into the playoffs 15 times, thanks to talent such as Ray Lewis, Joe Flacco, Ed Reed and Lamar Jackson.
13. ORIOLES BASEBALL
Since 1954, the Orioles have played baseball in Baltimore, and in 1992, their achievements were rewarded with a beautiful new stadium called Camden Yards. The team won the World Series three times (1966, 1970 and 1983) and produced Hall of Famers such as Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Earl Weaver. Outside the stadium stands a statue of hometown hero, Babe Ruth, who was born nearby. Follow the 60 baseballs painted on the sidewalk for three blocks to discover a museum that honors the slugger and archives local sports paraphernalia.
14. MICHAEL PHELPS
When heroes emerge from unlikely places, their success feels so much sweeter. So, it’s no surprise that Michael Phelps holds a special spot in Baltimore’s heart. Born in 1985 in Baltimore and raised by a single mom in nearby Towson, he is considered one of the world’s greatest athletes after winning 28 Olympic medals (23 golds!), making him the most decorated Olympian of all time. Upon retirement from competitive swimming, he focuses his foundation’s efforts on programs that make families and kids more confident in the water and in life.
15. STEAMED MARYLAND CRABS
As you cruise around Baltimore, it’s not unusual to smell Maryland steamed crabs before you see them. Their briny aroma tugs at your nostrils, and before long, you’re sitting at a table covered with brown paper and waving a wooden mallet to release tender meat dusted in Old Bay or J.O. Seasoning. Harvested from Chesapeake waters, these irresistible crustaceans invite you to taste them steamed to crimson perfection, rounded into plump cakes or blended into creamy dips.
16. PHILLIPS SEAFOOD LEGACY
In the 1960s, Inner Harbor sagged with run-down warehouses and dilapidated buildings. But then- mayor, William Donald Shaefer and local developers envisioned a rebirth of the harbor and wanted an anchor restaurant to attract visitors. They courted the Phillips family who had supplied Baltimore with seafood since 1914 and ran a crab house in Ocean City. The restauranteurs shared the vision of a resurrected waterfront and opened Phillips Harborplace in 1980. The iconic eatery remains at the bustling waterfront along with other seafood havens such as Mo’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Captain James Seafood Palace and Thames Street Oyster House.
17. PROVISIONS AT HISTORIC MARKETS
Known as a foodie paradise, Baltimore offers cuisine from ethnic dishes to innovative culinary creations. Two markets stand out as places where boaters can dock and dine while having a bite of history. Broadway Market in Fells Point was established in 1786, and major renovations in 2019 gave a refreshed space for vendors offering seafood, ice cream, pizza, Polish pierogies, and more. Atlas Restaurant Group’s Choptank specializes in Chesapeake crabs and oysters, and Saturday flea markets stir up a lively vibe. Cross Street Market, built in 1846, houses 22 independently owned businesses in Federal Hill. Guests peruse stalls filled with coffee, crepes, tacos, BBQ, seafood and other treats. On the rooftop, another Atlas restaurant, Watershed, mixes cocktails with fish dishes and live music.
18. THE CRAFT BREWING SCENE
For years, Baltimore has raised a glass to the most iconic image of local beer — the one-eyed, mustached Natty Boh. Founded on top of Brewers Hill in 1885, it ranked among the multitude of breweries inspired by German and other immigrants. A new wave of lager makers arose in 1995 when Heavy Seas worked with Maryland legislators to legalize craft brews in the city, and eventually grew its nautical-themed beer into Baltimore’s largest craft brewer. It’s now joined by scores of other breweries, who are celebrated each fall at the Craft Beer Festival with live music, food trucks and plenty of ales to try.
19. SAGAMORE SPIRITS & MARYLAND RYE
In 1910, Maryland’s 44 distilleries were the top shelf of rye whiskey producers, but when they converted to ethanol production for war efforts, Tennessee and Kentucky emerged as the kings of U.S. whiskey. A century later, Under Armour founder Kevin Plank decided to bring back the rye supremacy to Maryland and built Sagamore Spirits distillery along the Port Covington waterfront. Visit the five-acre facility for tours, tastings, Nineteen O’ Nine cocktail bar and summer concert series while sipping on locally crafted liquor.
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20. EDGAR ALLEN POE HOUSE & MUSEUM
Acclaimed American writer Edgar Allen Poe is heralded for his worldwide influence on gothic poetry and literary creativity. His final days spent roaming the streets of Fells Point made the historic Horse You Came In On Saloon famous for being one of his last stops leading to an unsolved death. Poe’s burial plot in Baltimore’s Westminster Church remains a hallowed place for fans of the macabre, and his home and museum on Amity Street presents a noteworthy array of artifacts from his life. The International Edgar Allen Poe Festival & Awards in October toasts his literary accomplishments with local vendors, music and Poe-themed events.
21. FREDERICK DOUGLASS-ISAAC MYERS MARITIME PARK
After fleeing slavery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the life of Frederick Douglass was a courageous journey from the Underground Railroad to New England abolitionists and eventually becoming a national spokesperson in the African American Civil Rights movement. This park at the Living Classrooms campus is located between Fells Point and Harbor East and honors the time when he worked in Baltimore shipyards before escaping to freedom in the north.
22. INNER HARBOR’S BASTION OF HISTORY & CULTURE
You might need to stay for more than a day to cover all the exhibits in this part of town. Young marine biologists and maritime historians alike are captivated at the National Aquarium, thanks to its vast collection of aquatic creatures and vintage vessels. Also on the waterfront promenade, Maryland Science Center helps everyone feel like a STEM expert, and Port Discovery Children’s Museum combines play with learning for young explorers. Pier 6 concerts bring cool tunes on warm summer nights.
23. INNOVATIVE ART MEETS INDUSTRY ON FEDERAL HILL
Baltimore’s past, present and future are intertwined at a pair of special exhibition halls along the shoreline of Federal Hill. American Visionary Arts Museum dazzles visitors with unique works by intuitive, self-taught artists who stretch the limits of color, creativity and imaginative art. The Baltimore Museum of Industry puts on fascinating displays on the impact of 20th century businesses and labor on the region, including the workers, entrepreneurs and innovators who made the town a manufacturing powerhouse.
24. CULTURAL HERITAGE AT HARBOR EAST
The neighborhood’s transformation from decaying warehouses left over from the shipbuilding era to busy metropolitan streets filled with high-end establishments has been instrumental in shaping the city’s culture. Discover 400 years of regional history, politics, sports, arts, media, military, etc. at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, which exhibits 11,000 artifacts that represent experiences and contributions of Black residents in Maryland.
25. LIVING CLASSROOMS FOUNDATION
Based in Baltimore and Washington, DC, this organization bolsters communities through hands-on experiences in education, workforce development, health and wellness, environmental awareness, and safety programs. Oasis Marinas currently serves as the marina management partner in Living Classrooms’ home ports. To deepen their alliance, Oasis CEO Kenneth Svendsen recently joined the nonprofit’s board with plans to serve as a gateway for workforce opportunities and hire graduates to work at Oasis marinas.
Inner Harbor Marina & Inner Harbor West
400 Key Highway, Inner Harbor 410-837-5339
40 International Drive, Harbor East 410-625-1700
Living Classrooms Foundation Marina
Located at Harbor East Marina 410-685-0295
1715 Thames Street, Fells Point 410-552-5539
951 Fell Street, Fells Point 443-510-9341
2780 Lighthouse Point E., Canton 410-675-8888
1800 S Clinton Street, Canton 410-861-4188
321 E. Cromwell Street, South Baltimore 410-775-8856
PICTURE THIS: You see blue skies on a hot summer day and the only place you want to be is on the water — but the kids are restless, the boat needs maintenance and you never have enough vacation time. What if you could have a team of industry experts handle all the hard work while you relax and play on the water in your own boating community? Known as the first and only boating country club (TM), Nautical Boat Club provides just that.
Whether you’re a new boater or an experienced seafarer, the benefits of a members-only boat club reduce the hassle and expense of boat ownership and cultivate convenience into a cruising community.
Nautical Boat Club has provided luxury, fun and boat-life ease for more than 30 years. Membership includes access to a consistently rotating carefully selected first-class fleet, watersport equipment, best-in-class technology, family-friendly excursions and more — all complemented with hands-on customer service. The fleet features the latest models from top companies such as Regal, Cobalt and Pursuit Boats.
Founder Don Spong created the business concept and opened the first club on Canyon Lake in Texas in the early 1990s. Current CEO Tom Gardiner purchased his first club as a business license opportunity in 2004, since expanding to six locations. He eventually purchased the club from Spong in 2012 and converted the business to franchise opportunities.
“What I’ve learned is, if you focus on your employees and your customers, everything will take care of itself,” says Gardiner. “We want to take a very measured approach.”
Gardiner’s first location on Lake Travis in Austin, TX, kicked off Nautical’s unique boat club culture, building a close-knit community from day one. His first employee and dockmaster, Alex McLaughlin, has since grown into the club’s co-owner and is now majority owner of the Austin clubs.
“We started with eight boats, adding a couple more each year, and I’m really proud of our growth and what we’ve put together in our clubs,” says McLaughlin. “They are run by people who are passionate about the water and small business, and really love what they do.”
Austin’s lake boating provides the community with a summer sanctuary to escape the Texas heat. McLaughlin, a long-time Austin resident, says access to the city’s lakes has been historically difficult, and they needed to streamline safe and convenient boating opportunities. The club solves that problem for recreational boaters. “A good day on the lake can be busy as heck but it’s all smiles, all day,” adds McLaughlin.
Nautical has expanded clubs throughout the south from Tennessee and South Carolina down to Florida, now operating in 26 locations. One of the best benefits includes the professional coaching resources from boat club staff. Whether it’s assisting members with concierge-style dockside service or coaching them on how to be the best captain, professional knowledge and a hands-on experience is always guaranteed.
“I hear from members all the time how this is the best thing they’ve ever done for their family,” says Gardiner. “You see a family come back to the dock — the kids are passed out cold from playing in the sun all day, and the mom and dad are relaxed — and that’s just so enjoyable.”
To learn more, visit nauticalboatclub.com or explore building your own country club boating community by visiting nauticalboatclub.com/start-a-franchise
Initially known as a ship-building and lumbering port, Clayton, NY, sits on the St. Lawrence River near the east end of Lake Ontario. It’s a scenic harbor town filled with dozens of well- preserved 1800s buildings. An historic walking tour is a must if you visit for more than a brief stopover.
These days, the town’s focal point is fishing, with bass, muskie, northern pike, perch, panfish and walleye attracting anglers to the St. Lawrence waterway and Thousand Islands. Bassmaster magazine named the area the top U.S. bass fishing spot in 2022, and Clayton hosted last year’s Bassmaster Elite Series Season Championship.
Clayton is also home to two unique museums: the Thousand Islands Museum and the Antique Boat Museum. The former houses special exhibits of world-class muskies and hunting decoys from the past and present, in addition to an archival library and gallery containing images and information chronicling the history of river life along the St. Lawrence.
The Antique Boat Museum boasts the largest collection of freshwater recreational craft in North America — more than 300 unique boats and thousands of related artifacts. Its 4.5-acre campus offers speedboat rides, a working skiff livery and educational programs, as well as special events throughout the year, including the International Steamboat Flotilla in June and the Antique Boat Show & Auction in August.
Other area activities include hiking the Lois Jean and John MacFarlane Trail at the Zenda Farms Preserve, as well as trails in the Ingerson Preserve and Foster-Blake Woods Preserve. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking in the French Creek Wildlife Management Area, horse riding at Horseback Trail Rides, and wine tasting at the area’s many first-class vineyards.
Bayside Marina
315-686-2121
Bayside offers seasonal, monthly and transient dockage for boats up to 45 feet. All slips are protected and on deep water. Power and water hookups are available.
315-654-2522
This waterfront park offers 178 camp sites, boat rentals and a marina with overnight dockage. Amenities include fuel, pump-out station, boat launch, bait and snack bar.
Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina
315-686-6010
This new facility, located in the heart of downtown, offers 49 floating slips with 30′, 40′ and 50′ capability, as well as 68-foot and 88-foot T-ends, 30-amp, 50-amp and 100-amp service, free Wi-Fi, laundry, restrooms, showers and pump-out.
French Bay Marina and Islander Marina & Lodge
315-686-5574
Slips at French Bay accommodate boats up to 60 feet with a 7-foot draft. The marina offers shore power, Wi-Fi, boat and engine repair, storage, restrooms and showers. At the same address, Islander Marina rents seasonal covered and uncovered slips, as well as transient docks, with shore power, water and Wi-Fi. Moorings are also available. The marina’s customer lounge is equipped with cable TV, DVD player, baths and laundry.
Village of Clayton Mary Street Dock
315-686-3451
Overnight docking is available. Amenities include power and water, restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, vending machines, on-site attendants from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and pick-up and delivery from Shurfine Supermarket.
315-686-2341
This bustling seasonal bistro serves breakfast and lunch daily. If you make it past the bountiful bakery upfront, try one of their decadent breakfast specials or choose from an array of sandwiches and salads.
315-686-3842
The large and varied menu showcases Mediterranean, Asian and vegetarian influences, with an accent on fresh seafood. Try the halibut with peppercorn butter or the shrimp scampi. There are no bad choices here.
315-285-5224
Once inside the sprawling stone manse, choose from a menu featuring farm-to- table ingredients from their own Lucky Star Ranch. Whether it’s brunch or dinner, the short ribs, salmon, salads and sandwiches are sure to please.
315-686-1100
Located in the 1,000 Islands Harbor Hotel, The Seaway Grille features classic American cuisine and a carefully curated wine selection. Try the sautéed pierogi appetizer, served with caramelized onions, crisp pancetta, crème fraîche drizzle and fresh chives.
315-285-5085
Another seasonal spot, the Shipwreck is open until 3:00 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday, and until 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Breakfast, sandwiches, salads, grain bowls and small plates round out a simple but tasty menu.
Nestled in the southernmost point of Maine, Kittery is just a stone’s throw from Portsmouth, NH, across the Piscataqua River. The oldest town in the state of Maine is rich in history but has managed to keep pace with the times.
Described as a “hipster’s paradise” and the “Brooklyn of Portsmouth,” Kittery has it all. Kittery Foreside, the downtown area, is home to a thriving arts scene and charming local boutiques. Just Us Chickens is an artist co-op and gallery featuring work from more than 30 local artists. The best place for shopping is Wallingford Square. If you’re looking for outdoor gear, stop in at the Kittery Trading Post.
Otherwise, the shops around town provide anything you can imagine from wellness apparel and children’s clothing to a zero-waste store and charming storefronts. Craft coffee shops and a plethora of food trucks provide quick and quirky alternatives to the sit-down, chef-driven restaurant scene.
Even though it’s hard to tear yourself away from this adorable town, Kittery’s surrounding area also has much to offer. Revolutionary War forts McClary and Foster are now recreation spots with miles of hiking or biking trails, along with fishing and campgrounds. Easy and accessible day trips including Portsmouth’s Badger’s Island and Gerrish Island, the home of Fort Foster Park, whose coastlines offer classic Maine beaches, including Rocky, Whaleback and Crescent.
Memorial Bridge connects Kittery to Badger’s Island in the middle of the Piscataqua River and to Portsmouth on the opposite bank. Portsmouth’s Strawbery Banke Museum details what life might have looked like for local inhabitants about 300 years ago. Badger’s Island is walkable, with eateries that provide a view of the river and Kittery’s waterfront. Diving charters for visitors who can brave the cold water offer close-up views of shipwrecks and the chance to experience the unique and ecologically diverse Gulf of Maine, famous for its tides and wildlife.
207-439-9582
A full-service marina located on Kittery Point, Safe Harbor also provides grills and courtesy bikes. The marina can accommo- date vessels up to 65 feet.
207-439-3810
On Badger’s Island in the middle of the Piscataqua River, the full-service marina started out as a one-man operation in the 1990s and grown to accommodate boats up to 75 feet.
207-439-1661
Piscataqua Marina is located on the east side of Badger’s Island. The marina provides service year-round and welcomes boats up to 125 feet.
207-703-4298
In an old government building in Wallingford Square, Anju’s menu hails from East Asia, featuring ramen made with ingredients from the butcher next door. The casual noodle bar is owned by the same family as the Wallingford Dram.
207-703-2294
This casual bistro offers refined comfort food and a large selection of draft beers. The restaurant was an immediate hit upon opening and is still worth the wait.
207-703-2800
One of the most popular coffee spots in Kittery Foreside, the roasted coffee is tasty, but the crullers and other homemade pastries are what the shop is known for around the region.
Cape Charles is considered one of the state’s hidden gems on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It’s located between Virginia Beach and Chincoteague on the Chesapeake Bay. The Cape is a great vacation spot for families or anyone who wants to kick back and enjoy its small-town feel. Cape Charles is home to the only public beach on this long stretch of the Bay, complete with soft sand, gentle waves and warm, shallow water. Since the beach faces west, guests witness stunning sunsets almost every evening.
The main street, just around the corner from the public beach, offers boutiques, galleries and waterfront dining that features excellent local oysters. Refresh yourself with ice cream or coffee from Brown Dog Ice Cream or a visit Peach Street Books to break up your seaside day. Cape Charles’ historic district also makes for a lovely walk past the recently redesigned Central Park and colorful old homes.
You’ll also find a golf course in the area, as well as fun, local breweries. When you’re ready to come back to the beach, be sure to try your hand at fishing or crabbing, as the local seafood is spectacular. Visitors are also welcomed by acres of preserved land. The Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve is a wetland habitat for migratory birds with elevated boardwalk paths for visitors.
Farther down the coast, hiking and kayaking are popular activities at Kiptopeke State Park. Paddling a short distance from shore will bring you up close to the fleet of retired WWII “ghost ships” called Kiptopeke Breakwater. The Savage Neck Dunes offer hiking trails along the beaches and through coastal woodlands. With its well-preserved history, nature and the easy-going locals, most visitors leave with Cape Charles in their hearts, promising to return soon.
Cape Charles Harbor
757-331-3100
Located in a protected bay, this marina offers basic amenities and a prime location a short walk from the main street. The harbor has 1,200 feet of dock space and 95 slips for vessels up to 120 feet.
757-250-2913
The Yacht Center can accommodate superyachts with its deep water slips and floating docks. They offer amenities, as well as a ships store and courtesy vehicles to ride into town in a golf cart or car.
The Oyster Farm Marina & Kings Creek
757-331-8640
King’s Creek is a luxury resort that’s part of the Oyster Farms at King’s Creek compound. It offers laundry, cable TV and a pool. The fully cushioned slips accommodate vessels up to 150 feet. Also on the property are a wedding venue and seafood eatery overlooking the water and oyster beds.
757-607-3026
An intimate restaurant on the main street, Ambrogia serves delicious southern Italian food using fresh local seafood and produce. Reservations are strongly recommended.
757-695-3853
Located along Cape Charles Harbor, the Shanty is a waterfront bar and local seafood joint, known for live music and dedication to the community wrapped up in a fun sports bar setting.
757-331-1212
A classic old-school lunch counter place that serves up homemade vanilla cokes and diner food. Order a malt at the counter or a booth while rubbing elbows with the locals.
757-331-2275
Located at the parking lot of Cape Charles Yacht center in an historic house, this waterfront bistro features just-caught seafood, along with creative meat, poultry and pasta options.
757-331-6232
This newly renovated restaurant offers an organic spin on Italian classics in a friendly neighborhood setting. Brick-oven pizza is topped with fresh marinara sauce, and pasta dishes are hearty.
From small ports to luxury resorts, marina marinas are buzzing with news and exciting announcements. Constantly working to accommodate boaters' needs from upgraded amenities to new restaurant openings, these dockmasters continue to enhance facilities and make guests feel at home. Check out the latest happenings at the following marinas from the New England coast to the Atlantic seaboard and the lakes of the midwest.
Newport, RI
This plush resort on Goat Island completed a $50 million renovation this spring, marking a new era for the former Gurney’s Resorts property. Davidson Hospitality Group and Pebblebrook Hotel Trust present the newly revamped facility with a 22-slip marina, a contemporary spa, and upgraded culinary outlets such as 1639, Torpedo Bar and Lounge, The Bakery, and the beloved Pineapple Club. The hotel boasts expansive guestrooms and suites filled with décor commissioned by local artists.
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore’s local sports bar chain, Looney’s Pub, recently purchased the former River Watch Restaurant & Marina in the Essex community, revamping it with a major facelift. Located on the banks of Hopkins Creek, the renovated property premieres this season as the all-new LoonASea Marina & Restaurant. Boaters will love the beachy vibe with lively entertainment, fruity cocktails and 40-slip transient marina with amenities including showers, Wi-Fi, pumpout and a service facility next door.
Edgewater, MD
Located on Turkey Point Island just outside of Annapolis, this full-service marina completed a major renovation to better accommodate guests. Facilities include newly installed underground fuel tanks with a point-of- sale system, new hydraulic trailer with 75-ton travel lift, and fully renovated bathrooms, showers, and ships store. The marina also reconfigured the docks to offer 29-foot-wide easy access and accommodate catamarans.
Richmond Hill, GA
Coastal Georgia’s newest and nicest dry stack marina is located 30 minutes south of Savannah and offers 200 dry storage racks for boats up to 36 feet in length. Waterways is currently building 103 wet slips accommodating boats up to 40 feet. Located in a luxury development but offering boat storage to the public, this full-service, valet marina offers top-notch security and access to amenities including a gym, pool and restaurant onsite.
Gulf Shores, AL
This new marina is proud to bring a state-of-the-art facility to the heart of the Gulf Shores maritime community. Legendary accommodates vessels up to 65 feet and boasts extensive amenities such as a fuel dock, ship store, on-site service team, pool, clubhouse, and a remarkable dry storage facility for vessels up to 50 feet. The dry storage boat racks are designed with hurricane-proof precision to protect against Category 5 wind speeds. Enjoy a seamless booking experience through the launch request app service.
Fort Myers, FL
In September 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated this Fort Myers Beach marina, resulting in its complete destruction and shutdown. The Suntex Marinas property worked with Golden Marine Systems and RJ Gorman Marine Construction to restore and reopen the facility in record time. The new Golden 850 Series aluminum docks are meticulously crafted with premium marine-grade structure and stainless-steel hardware for ultimate durability and resistance. The marina features 70 floating docks for vessels up to 50 feet, 200 hurricane-rated indoor storage racks, fuel, ship’s store, private pool and club room.
Eufaula, OK
Lake Eufaula’s premier destination recently completed a full renovation with first-class construction from the Oklahoma-based company, Marine Development, Inc. The project featured reconstruction of the ship store and fuel dock, plus marina expansion of 34 covered slips. Amenities include restrooms, boat rentals, boat sales and a convenient storage platform. Feast on authentic street tacos and sip on signature margaritas at Rojas Taqueria & Cantina onsite.
Stiff drinks, shareable bites, harbor-front views and a full facility revamp await boaters at Baltimore’s hottest new dock and dine destination this summer.
Located in the Canton neighborhood, Lighthouse Point Marina boasts 400 new hyper-modern floating docks that accommodate vessels 35 - 300 feet. The former slips are replaced with high-quality composite, non-skid floating docks with full-length finger piers. The east dock is constructed with an attenuator to quell wake and wave action and protect vessels against chop. Oasis Experiences management company and Marine Monument Group began the revitalization in 2022, with contractor Dissen & Juhn Co. and manufacturer Meeco Sullivan completing a full reconstruction.
“Everything on the water from the sea floor up is brand new, and there wasn’t a single piece of old infrastructure used,” says general manager Joel Schlossberg. “One thing we’re proud of is 90% of the old infrastructure was recycled — everything from the concrete, foam in the floats, plastic that encases the foam, old piles and anything we could recycle — which was really cool.”
Upscale amenities include gate access via smartphone, in-slip pump-out, laundry facilities, pool access, and dock and dine at the newly revamped on-site restaurant, Drift Bar, open May to September. A fully remodeled marina office, fitness center and boater’s lounge are also in the works, as well as in-slip delivery service from Drift Bar. Enjoy a pontoon adventure on the harbor with Paddle Club Baltimore’s fun cruise boat docked at the marina.
The iconic lighthouse of Lighthouse Point is no ordinary beacon. The structure located on land behind the marina is a former 1800s licorice plant smokestack converted into a Chesapeake Bay-style lighthouse replica. The marina plans to restore the lighthouse with fresh paint and a new look, along with an expansion to the outdoor area including a building demolition that will allow for picturesque harbor views from a new lounge area.
The prime location in Canton’s lively community offers convenient access to dining, shopping and provisions within walking distance. Explore bars and restaurants housed in historic row houses in Canton Square or just across the water in Fells Point. Head to the Inner Harbor for family-friendly attractions such as the National Aquarium or the Maryland Science Center. Be sure to catch a summertime favorite located next to the marina, Canton Waterfront Park’s First Thursdays, a free once-a-month festival with live music and vendors from June to September.
Stay tuned for updates at newlhp.com
Cruise to scenic Casco Bay this summer for a sweet escape. Nestled in a protected harbor surrounded by picturesque islands, Fore Points Marina welcomes world-class accommodations for all vessels ranging from tenders to megayachts up to 630 feet.
The full-service facility is home to a wave-attenuating breakwater dock engineered by SF Marina with 150 wet slips and 12 megayacht berths. Guests can enjoy amenities including fuel, Wi-Fi, showers, restrooms, laundry, grills, fire pits, pump-out and concierge services. Portland Yacht Services offers additional maintenance and repairs nearby. Dine onsite at Twelve, the New York Times and Bon Appétit critically acclaimed restaurant, serving modern New England dishes.
“For vessels of any size — center consoles to megayachts — the docks are spectacular with unbelievable slip widths,” says Dockmaster Eric Jenkins. “The wave attenuation is state-of-the-art, and we have every imaginable power combination you may need — all on the gateway down east Casco Bay.”
Explore the Old Port District and embrace the historic charm of downtown Portland’s cobblestone streets lined with Victorian architecture. Just steps away from the marina, choose from lodging options such as Portland Harbor Hotel, Marriott’s AC Hotel Portland, Cambria Hotel or Press Hotel. The marina staff accommodates third-party transportation services and provides street-legal golf carts for local trips.
Visit cultural attractions including the Portland Museum of Art, the International Cryptozoology Museum and the Portland House of Music and Events. Head south to Cape Elizabeth to explore the stunning shores and iconic landmark of Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park. For nature explorations, cruise to Casco Bay’s beautiful islands. Check out Peaks Island to bike scenic trails, Cow Island for magnificent sunsets, and the largest, Chebeague Island, home to a renowned golf course.
Kick off summer with the Resurgam Music and Arts Festival at Ocean Gateway Pier and Portland Wine Week in June, and end the season with Puppets in Portland’s international puppetry festival in September.
In 2023, Fore Points joined New England’s premier marina owner and operator, Ocean Havens (owned by Ann and Chuck Lagasse) to become their first Maine property. Ann and Chuck originally started working on marinas and historic preservation of buildings in Newburyport, MA, before transitioning into the marina industry full-time. They launched the Lagasse Group, which later rebranded as Ocean Havens, LLC, and in 2010 purchased their first location, Boston Yacht Haven Inn & Marina.
Next, Ocean Havens acquired Fan Pier Marina’s 100-slip facility in Boston’s bustling Seaport District, then expanded outside of city limits, taking over Provincetown Marina in Cape Cod. In 2014, the company revamped Charlestown Marina in Massachusetts and removed all existing docks for a full rebuild. In 2018, Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina joined the Ocean Havens portfolio, followed by India Wharf Marina, a small 22-slip facility near the New England Aquarium in downtown Boston.
“Fore Points is a wonderful, modern marina in a great location with a wide range of amenities accommodating the largest boats visiting Maine,” says Chuck Lagasse, Principal of Ocean Havens.
When summer arrives on the Chesapeake Bay, our daydreams get taken over by thoughts of tables covered in brown paper with condensation rings from cold pitchers of beer, the pounding of crab mallets and the aroma of steamed crabs adorned in Old Bay seasoning. If you prefer your crabs picked and made into a cake, a creamy soup, or sprinkled atop a beef entree, you will find it dining dockside at these Maryland favorites.
Baltimore, MD
Life is easy breezy at the Drift Bar—Baltimore’s newest cocktail dock inspired by the upscale, laid-back ambiance of the Mediterranean coast. The vibe is elevated yet effortless, and so are the drinks. A delicious selection of libations from day drinks to night caps reflect the coastal resort life from Cannes to Capri, and now, Canton. The floating dock bar and former Bo Brooks Restaurant is a pleasant addition to the renovated Lighthouse Point Marina neighborhood. Shareable plates are presented by waitstaff sporting palm-print shirts and an upbeat, on-vacation demeanor. To keep things breezy, Drift Bar does not take reservations or call-aheads at this time.
Where to Dock: Lighthouse Point Marina
Middle River, MD
LoonAsea is a “Looney’s Pub Joint,” the fifth in their popular lineup of Baltimore eateries. Sitting at the junction of Middle River and Hopkins Creek, the site is familiar to many cruisers as the former River Watch Restaurant & Marina. The restaurant has undergone a full rehab and is a now a lively, entertainment-focused destination. Boaters will enjoy the beachy Key West vibe of the indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar. The LoonAsea menu has staple favorites such as wings and cheesesteaks as well as a broad selection of seafood-based soups, sandwiches and entrees. Dive into their extensive steamed and raw bar, lots of gluten-free items, and the option to get your order “Looney’s Style” — adding Irish Bangers! Live entertainment is scheduled Thursday through Sunday.
Where to Dock: LoonAsea Marina
North Pasadena, MD
Mike’s Crab House North overlooking Rock Creek is a traditional crab house, featuring Maryland-style seafood with the specialty, steamed blue crabs. Large crab cakes with minimal filler are fried to perfection. Mike’s is reported to have the best crab dip around these parts, and the coconut shrimp and fried green beans are other customer favorites. Guests sit inside or out for dining or at a waterside tiki bar under cherry red umbrellas. Seafood specials, live music, karaoke and trivia nights draw big crowds. Mike’s North is open from the first week of April through September.
Where to Dock: White Rocks Marina
Pasadena, MD
The Broken Oar’s website states, “The only thing we overlook is the water.” The restaurant with its panoramic views of Nabbs Creek is just a 30-minute cruise to downtown Baltimore and 45 minutes to Annapolis. Lunch and dinner are served in both the dining room/bar and on the large waterfront deck. The menu ranges from homemade soups, salads, sushi, fresh dough pizza and seafood to gourmet entrées with a crab cake designed to please the pickiest palate. Diners might even get a visit from the chef. Something “OAR-some” is always going on: Sunday bottomless brunch, live acoustic music, trivia or bingo — even a competitive cornhole game on the deck.
Where to Dock: Nabbs Creek Marina
Rock Hall, MD
The Blue Heron Oyster House & Inn is a fun little find with great local appeal. The eclectic menu has traditional and innovative mid-Atlantic seafood, along with spectacular shrimp, scallop and lobster specials. The Oyster Bar is laden with fresh bivalves. The Crab Centerpiece is a pound of jumbo lump dusted with Old Bay and served with crackers, cocktail and Old Bay tartar. Who can resist the Drunken Crabcake dunked in cream of crab soup? The covered tiki bar with its multi-color high stools is the perfect spot for a fruity crush or an after-dinner snowball.
Where to Dock: Rock Hall Bulkhead
Kent Narrows, MD
The simple, bright decor at Dock House is the perfect backdrop for its locally sourced coastal cuisine. Crab is everywhere on the menu — even crab cake grilled cheese. Steamers, a raw bar and signature cocktails like fresh watermelon crushes are served inside or on the spacious wrap-around deck. Panoramic views of boats cruising under the Kent Narrows drawbridge never get old. Order a Boat Box of specially selected menu items for a day on the boat. Dockage while dining is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where to Dock: Piney Narrows Yacht Haven
Stevensville, MD
The bold, bright red signage and multiple patios indicate you’ve arrived at Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen where the cocktails and cuisine are augmented by some of the bay’s best views. There’s no better place to sip an Orange Crush while taking in the wonder of the Bay Bridge and giant cargo ships passing by. Libbey’s offers creative dishes and libations curated from fresh, local ingredients rich in Eastern Shore tradition. Devour a jumbo lump crab pizza dockside, or head topside for a selection of entrees like Seafood Trinity in the stylish dining room.
Where to Dock: Bay Bridge Marina
Kent Island, MD
This laid-back bayfront spot sports beach vibes and a Caribbean style tiki bar on the shoreline. Step directly into the waterfront views to dine at a beautifully set table directly on the beach with warm sand under your feet and the rhythmic sound of waves providing a backdrop. In addition to a wide range of seafood dishes, sample culinary masterpieces like the “Inside Out Pie,” literally an inside-out blend of provolone, parmesan, pesto and fresh shore tomatoes all nestled in homemade pizza dough. Craft beer by Atlas Brew Works, fresh fruit crushes and cocktails like Bay Lights (coconut rum, melon, fresh pineapple and soda) round out the extensive menu served against spectacular sunsets.
Where to Dock: Kentmorr Marina
Lusby, MD
This little gem tucked away on Back Creek near Solomons Island offers casual dining at a reasonable price. The menu is limited but varied with offerings like the Harbor Hot Dog, which is bacon wrapped and loaded with slaw, onion straws and secret sauce. Another favorite is a bizarre sounding combo: a cheeseburger topped with pineapple, SPAM, bacon and fried onion. The huge crab cake is all meat, no filler and utterly Baylicious! Weekend brunch is a boater’s favorite as are the craft cocktails. The place is small with limited seating, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Where to Dock: Calvert Marina
Taylor’s Island, MD
Eastern Shore dining doesn’t get any more unassuming or authentic than Boats & Hose. Its unique name comes from the volunteer fire company next door. The restaurant owner also has a crab-picking business nearby, so all the crab dishes are workboat-to-plate fresh. Starters such as crab pretzels and fried oysters are delish, plus crab cakes, crab imperial, fried soft crabs and New York strip entrees are staples. Weekly specials run the gamut from deep fried cheesecake wontons with cinnamon sugar to filet topped with crab and shrimp in a remoulade sauce with a fresh pico de gallo topping. Expect casual dining, but reservations are suggested at this popular spot. Normally open Thursday through Sunday, hours can change seasonally, so call ahead.
Where to Dock: Chapel Cove Marina
It’s easy to fall in love with the Western Michigan shoreline and its fresh summer breezes that make it a haven for sailing. But you’re in for a pleasant surprise as Wisconsin’s East Coast can boast that it also has as much to offer.
What’s not to like about visiting the bratwurst capital of the world, the best zoo north of Chicago or waterfront restaurants that will dazzle you with German, Dutch and Italian cuisines that make your cruise along the historic shore a delight? If you’re a fan of beer and cheese, then welcome to Milwaukee, the birthplace of American beer. Be sure to visit the old Pabst Brewery and its world-famous gardens.
In the last issue of Marinalife, we took the trip north of Chicago toward Leelanau County, but this time we’ll boat our way up to Door County from Milwaukee to Sturgeon Bay. The region looks and feels a bit like the Maine coast, minus lobster, salt water, and low or high tides. While it lacks the peninsular grandeur of Michigan and the magic of Mackinac, it’s warmer than Thunder Bay, but probably colder than Put-In-Bay.
Aside from my first adventure in 1963 on the SS Badger, a coal-fired car and passenger freighter that runs from Ludington, MI, to Manitowoc, the memory that serves me best is taking my son across when he was five. He was thrilled by the boat that makes daily voyages from mid-May to mid-October.
On this East Wisconsin cruise, you’ll find plenty of nice beaches and great swimming as water temperatures reach the 70s during summer months and the breezes are usually light to moderate.
What was once an old lumber port that became famous for brewing beer, Milwaukee has a retro 1950s feel in its skyline and is a very welcoming port of call. Its summer schedule is filled with festivals, and the city is excited to welcome back IndyCars to its historic mile oval on the state fairgrounds.
As a culturally and ethnically diverse city that embraces those rich traditions, Milwaukee was heavily influenced by German immigrants in the 19th century and is well known for beer. Everything in Milwaukee is either named Miller or Pabst, but try a mug of the Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewery for a new local brew.
Downtown’s Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, the Bradley Symphony Center and Discovery World are all short distances away. Summerfest is a centerpiece of the concert calendar, and a particular highlight for me was seeing the WOMAD (World of Arts, Music and Dance) Festival there with Peter Gabriel as the headliner. Restaurants to target include the Milwaukee Sail Loft and Barnacle Bud’s.
Where to Dock: McKinley Marina
Estimated Mileage: 20 NM
While visiting Port Washington for the first time last summer, I was awestruck at how beautiful and meticulously clean the small city was. It is the long-time home of Sailing Magazine, and sailboat masts aren’t the only things that dot the harbor.
Local whitefish is delicious from the top of Lake Superior to the bottom of Lake Michigan, but there’s something about the way it’s caught and served here that makes it different. Port Washington’s Port Fish Days festival and fair runs from July 18-20 this year, and it’s a fun annual tradition to explore all the different ways that restaurants prepare their fish dinners and chowders. Restaurants of note include the Dockside Deli, Twisted Willow and Schooner Pub.
Where to Dock: Port Washington Marina
Estimated Mileage: 23 NM
This destination is known as the “Bratwurst Capital of the World” and celebrates at Bratwurst Days festivities and the Johnsonville World Bratwurst Eating Championship. Surfs up in Sheboygan as well, as local surfing dudes have tagged it as the “The Malibu of the Midwest” for its waves that rise along the shore. Highly recommended restaurants include Field to Fork, The Blind Horse and Whistling Straits.
The Harbor Centre Marina on the waterfront is undergoing a major renovation on its aging infrastructure. Recurring damage through the winter months to docks has required significant capital reinvestment in the marina facility. Up to $13 million is expected to sustain marina operations while maintaining more than 250 slips. Sheboygan currently manages all boat slip facilities along the Sheboygan River and plans to oversee the Harbor Centre Marina as part of the project.
Where to Dock: Harbor Centre Marina
Estimated Mileage: 53 NM
This quaint little fishing village has quite a historic legacy of its own. Originally founded as Ahnapee, the town changed its name with the advent of railroads and industry.
Downtown Algoma has the feel of a bygone era when train travel opened the frontier here with factories and mills. The town’s architecture heralds that time, and each lovingly preserved building encapsulates the ghosts and memories that give the town its warmth and character.
Antiquing is a must! You’ll find some cool places to hit, especially if you want items for your boat. If you’re hungry after shopping, check out Son of Skaliwags, Off the Hook Bar & Grill or Three Eleven Bar & Bistro. The channel hosts a bit of warm weather algae, but the local harbor is filled with fishing boats, and the coastal village retains its charm during “Shanty Days” each summer.
Where to Dock: City of Algoma Marina
Estimated Mileage: 15 NM
Sturgeon Bay is divided into halves, depending on what side of Michigan Street or Bayview Bridge you are on. Both sides have great shops and restaurants. Eating spots include Waterfront Mary’s, Stone Harbor and Kitty O’Reillys Irish Pub.
Door County Peninsula begins near Sturgeon Bay and ends 63 miles up the winding coast at Death’s Door Maritime Museum adjacent to the ferry over to Washington Island, where many ships met their fate at the bottom of the lake in a passage that is a laden watery graveyard.
“Death’s Door” comes from indigenous Potawatomi tales passed down through multiple generations until the story made its way to French explorers, because for centuries, ship captains would tempt fate, ultimately in many cases to their own demise. It is a treacherous passage where fog can materialize without warning as if generated for a special effect in a horror movie. The narrow passage is riddled with rocky shoals and tricky currents.
Eventually when the first lighthouse was built in 1837 off Rock Island, it made more sense to take the long way around than to risk becoming “Davy Jones” next neighbor. These days, many Great Lakes freighters navigate the waters through the Sturgeon Bay ship canal that was constructed in 1881.
Much of the history and maritime artifacts of the peninsula are found at the Death’s Door Maritime Museum that traces the region’s rich fishing and shipping legacy.
Where to Dock: SkipperBud’s Quarterdeck Marina or SkipperBud’s Harbor Club Marina
Flanked by barrier islands that protect inland waters from the choppy Atlantic, Delaware’s Rehoboth, Indian River and Little Assawoman bays create a backdrop for unforgettable summers. Limitless recreation abounds for all ages on the bayside of iconic coastal towns such as Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany and Fenwick Island.
Cruising these interconnected bays is an adventure, with narrow channels and winding estuaries framed by new waterfront communities, popular beaches, gorgeous sunsets and family-family attractions. Boaters are welcomed by a dozen marinas, campgrounds, RV parks, golf courses, seafood restaurants and markets for provisions.
Loyal vacationers have chosen Delaware’s inland bays for generations. In addition to being prime summer destinations, these bays furnish jobs for 35,000 people, supporting tourism, recreational fishing, crabbing and oyster aquafarming. As part of the national estuary program created by the Clean Water Act and regulated by the EPA, they’re sure to stay crystal clear for years to come.
At the top of Rehoboth Bay is Dewey Beach, located on a stretch of the island so narrow that walking from the bay to the Atlantic shore takes about 15 minutes. Live music venues and restaurants, such as North Beach, Rusty Rudder and Lighthouse Dewey Beach, promise seaside dining garnished with stellar sunsets. The country club, state park, nature preserve and oyster farms nearby are pleasant attractions.
Just north of Dewey awaits a blast of classic Americana in Rehoboth Beach and its mile-long boardwalk lined with ice cream stands, pizza joints, specialty gift shops and other time-honored amusements. After strolling the wooden boardwalk while snacking on saltwater taffy and Thrasher’s French fries by the bucket, catch a free performance at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. The clean, soft beaches are lifeguarded during the summer, offering fun-in-the-sun activities like paddleboarding, kayaking or sunbathing along the surf.
Rehoboth’s walkable downtown area and vibrant cultural scene do not disappoint. Discover local history at the Rehoboth Beach Museum, or practice pottery, painting and sculpting at the Rehoboth Art League. For a little excitement, head to Funland, an amusement park famous for old-school rides and boardwalk games like Whack-A-Mole.
Rehoboth Beach’s lively restaurant scene packs outstanding establishments into just a few square miles, with plenty of good options. Unique breakfast spots provide delicious ways to start the day, such as Rise Up Coffee’s breakfast burritos or Egg’s mouthwatering pumpkin pie praline French toast. For a night of delicious local seafood, reserve a table at Henlopen City Oyster House, and 1776 Steakhouse provides a memorable meaty dinner.
Where to Dock: Dewey Beach Yacht Club and Rehoboth Bay Marina
Rehoboth Beach to Delaware Seashore State Park 5 NM
After Rehoboth’s bustling boardwalk, reconnect with nature at Delaware Seashore State Park. A beach lover’s delight, the 2,825-acre park is often listed as a top East Coast beach destination. Contained within the park is Indian River Marina, Delaware’s largest marina with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and the calmer inland waters of Indian River Bay.
Delaware Seashore State Park boasts six miles of oceanfront and 20 miles of bay shoreline. Hikers roam through Burton Island Nature Preserve, and kayakers paddle among the salt marsh islands on the bayside. For anglers, the Indian River Inlet is known for striped bass, spotted seatrout, flounder, fluke and marlin.
Other ways to spend your day here include clamming, crabbing, birdwatching or perusing the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum to sample the region’s rich maritime history. On both sides of the Charles W. Cullen Memorial Bridge, you find pristine beaches, and on the south side of the bridge is Big Chill Beach Club, a favorite seaside watering hole and eatery.
A short jaunt west brings you to Pot-Nets Marina and Paradise Grill, a sprawling entertainment spot with lively bars, restaurants, tiki bars and stages for bands. At Dockside Marina Bar & Grill, feast on lobster rolls and tuna poke as you check out the boats along the dock. A few miles south of the bay at Bethany Beach, you find a relaxed vibe with classic beach houses, family-friendly shops and a variety of restaurants.
Where to Dock: Indian River Marina, South Shore Marina, Pot-Nets Bayside Marina #2
Delaware Seashore State Park to Fenwick Island 10 NM
Fenwick Island is Delaware’s southernmost beach town and an idyllic place to enjoy the serenity of the outdoors and devour exquisite fish dishes at about a dozen seafood houses. With its neighboring state park and enticing assortment of beachy retail and eateries, this coastal getaway is a favorite among Delaware’s summer vacationers.
The town’s easygoing vibe pervades fun-for-all-ages establishments like Viking Golf & Thunder Lagoon Water Park, where thrilling waterslides pair with go-karts and mini-golf. Examine roughly 10,000 recovered artifacts from shipwrecks at the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum. Pop into the Seaside Country Store for homemade fudge, old-timey candy and other gourmet gifts for a sweet treat.
Outdoors enthusiasts can kayak or paddleboard through Little Assawoman Bay from Fenwick Island State Park. A fantastic place to catch a sunset, the park features expansive lifeguarded beaches and a waterfront boardwalk. Surf fishing is a popular pastime here, along with chasing elusive ghost crabs after dark. Be sure to bring a flashlight!
Speaking of lights, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse is Delaware’s oldest, dating back to 1859. Sitting on the Mason-Dixon Line shared with Maryland, it’s worth a quick visit and has a small museum downstairs. Satiate your appetite at One Coastal, where seasonal farm-to-table delights are served with coastal hospitality. For quintessential crab cakes and fresh local oysters, visit Fenwick Crab House or Harpoon Hanna’s, an iconic staple of seafood fans for decades.
Where to Dock: Sharks Cove Marina and Bayville Marina
For the past 10 years, my husband and I have cruised with our children and learned about the delights and challenges of raising kids at sea. As I write, we are in our third week of a four-week passage and as always, the kids do amazingly well with the restrictions and the mundane that life confined to a small space brings.
Long passages with infants were the periods that people fretted most, but it was by far the easiest stage. Feed, eat, sleep and all was well onboard. As they grew older, however, the requirements for entertaining them became greater. We had to devise ways to keep them occupied when there was little around to occupy them, and they demanded our constant attention.
I remember mind-numbing hours spent driving little toy trucks back and forth in the cockpit, thinking one more hour as a truck driver and my spirit would break. But as they aged, our ability to get creative increased, and soon we’d developed an invaluable compendium of useful tools and tricks to keep the days ticking over when we spent any length of time at sea.
We started “passage presents” very early on. The kids each received a present on the first day of a long passage, something that they looked forward to and helped them focus on going rather than staying. They counted down the days until we departed with great excitement, knowing something special was coming their way as soon as our bows pointed toward the open ocean.
These gifts gave them something to keep them busy on the initial days at sea, so we could focus on settling the boat in while they remained occupied with their new treats. We included a mid-way present for passages longer than three weeks or more, and the cycle of a new time-consuming obsession would repeat.
We also adopted “theme day,” where we played dress-up and acted in character throughout the day. These were great fun for child and adult alike, and consumed hours in preparation and play. Some of our funnier transit moments came out of these days, such as “Snow Day” when we used all the surplus toilet paper to teepee the boat in long streamers of “falling snow,” laid sheets throughout the saloon and had a huge snowball fight in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
We celebrated “Rainforest Day” on entry into India and made origami birds that we hung from the saloon roof and dressed up in an odd assortment of bush animals: A hummingbird, howler monkey, ocelot and the Cat in the Hat, all taken from the book that inspired the theme.
We spent the day in animal character until we turned into the port and got ready for the lengthy clearance process. We half-flung our outfits aside as our priority changed, and by the time the officials came onboard I’d completely forgotten that my face was painted up as a cat, complimented by a red nose and long black whiskers. It wasn’t until the officials departed and I was getting ready for bed that I looked in the mirror and saw a cat looking back. It then dawned on me with total hilarity why I kept getting curious looks by the friendly Indian officials. They were polite enough not to point and ask, but I’m sure we provided them with good laughter that evening.
Stories aside, the kids have come to love theme days, and we continue to indulge the activity on every passage. It helps us break the monotony of the cyclical days at sea and provides an excuse for all of us to get silly and play.
As the kids grew to the age when they could appreciate fantasy, we started getting visits by “guardian angels” who checked in during our passages and left books under their pillows with little messages inscribed. It was a great way to get them excited about reading when they were getting old enough to enjoy books. To be told to read by a parent was much less thrilling than being gifted a magical book by a fairy.
Because we were isolated from schools, we could maintain this magical fantasy for them far longer, and they still look under their pillows when we are at sea for messages and gifts from their imaginary friends. This tradition has added a little magic to our lives and increased the excitement for passages.
A few years ago, we crossed from Europe to West Africa during December, and I created an advent calendar that was full of activities tucked behind little swinging doors for each day of the passage. It was a huge success. Each morning, the kids would spring out of bed to be the first to open the day’s event, and the diversity of activities had us doing things through those idle weeks at sea that we would never have otherwise done.
We had LEGO competitions and puppet theater, wrote lyrics for songs and poetry, drew cartoons, and created little comic books, baked cakes and cookies — each providing a new inspiration for the journey. Our altered advent calendar was inspirational, and we adopted an “activity calendar” for each passage we take.
Before we head out, the kids write out an activity for as many days we will be at sea. Each morning of the trip, they open the box and take out one little paper ticket that indicates the objective for the day. The kids now keep a daily journal that tracks each activity and what we’ve done as a family to fulfil it. I hope they will be treasured heirlooms one day, allowing them to recall some of the playful times we shared as a family during a period that can easily turn monotonous for a child.
We also make sure to mark the moments: We celebrate every thousand miles we clock off, observe the half-way point of every trip, and if we cross the equator (the kids are now on their sixth ceremony) John and I dress up as King and Queen Neptune and carry out a ritual of dunking their bodies in seawater and presenting them with a certificate of accomplishment. All these little moments are marked as mini successes, allowing us to grab moments in route and turn them into an excuse to celebrate.
While every cruising family will have their own tricks up their sleeve to make long distance transits tolerable, these are a few that helped us enjoy our time at sea. As adults, it is easy to let the slow passage of time roll over you, absorbing the quiet solitude of long days at sea. If you travel with children, however, this luxury isn’t afforded to you. Your young crew demands — and deserves — stimulation in a rather un-stimulating environment. Finding ways that punctuate the trip with moments of bonding and unity, of creativity and playfulness, not only pass the time but create everlasting memories.
So, whatever event you create using whatever inspires your family, grab each moment and do something special with it. This will turn a passage from a challenge to get through to a destination to look forward to in itself.
Virginia blends urban with rural nearly seamlessly, and in the Hampton Roads area, the state mixes urban with nautical in spectacular fashion. The diverse cities of Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth and Norfolk straddle the James River where it meets the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Each city is a treasure of American history, land and water activities, and inexhaustible Southern charm.
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The Hampton Roads corridor is a busy place, and the natural harbor makes for one of the best ports on the East Coast. A sizeable naval presence contributes to the economy, as does the proximity to Virginia Beach on the Atlantic and historic Williamsburg farther north on the James Peninsula.
Hampton is the oldest English- speaking settlement in America, and the Hampton History Museum’s extensive collection spans its evolution from the beginnings of Tidewater life to its emergence as a space research center. The Hampton Visitor Center, on site, is a great place to begin the day.
The nearby Virginia Air & Space Science Center’s interactive exhibits cover 100 years of flight, 30+ historic aircraft, and house the visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base. For a less lofty ride, go nearby to the restored 1920 Hampton Carousel, one of 170 antique wooden merry-go-rounds in America.
If history gives you food cravings, within a few blocks are Guilty Pleasure Coffee Shop’s specialty milkshakes and smoothies, as well as Baked Bistro & Pizza’s menu of rotating home-style specials of varied cuisine.
Housed within the historic Hampton Armory, The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery is a live music venue serving Caiseal Beer & Spirits, brewed and distilled onsite. The seasonal menu is paired with craft cocktails and brews.
Across the Hampton River, Hampton University Museum is the oldest African American exhibition in the country displaying 9,000+ objects including traditional African, American Indian, Asian and Pacific Island art. The American Indian gallery has 1,600 objects from 93 indigenous tribes.
Where to Dock: Bluewater Yachting Center
Bound by the waters of the James River and Hampton Roads harbor, the rich history of Newport News begins shortly after the landing at Jamestown in 1607 and winds through the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the 1862 Peninsula Campaign where the famous battle of the CSS Virginia and USS Monitor was fought. The remains of the ironclad Monitor have a permanent home in the USS Monitor Center at the Mariner Museum. Its extraordinary collection of artifacts covers all things maritime as far back as Leif Erikson and the Vikings.
The U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis highlights the importance of logistical support to the Army from colonial days to the present. Purchase of the One City Pass provides a bundle discount to all the area’s many attractions.
It’s impossible to say with absolute certainty how Newport News got its name. A popular theory is that Christopher Newport, captain of the largest of the Virginia Company ships bringing settlers to the Americas, voyaged between continents and upon his return was asked, “What’s the news, Captain Newport?” Eventually, the phrase was shortened to Newport News.
Break up the day at Aromas World where they roast their own coffee. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner but a hint about their claim to fame is the sign, “Keep calm and eat pie.” Beyond their daily 10 cakes and pies are 13 pastries plus quiche, scones, muffins and chewy chocolate chip cookies.
To mitigate the sugar rush, Harpoon Larry’s Fish House & Oyster Bar menu is extensive; start with the signature Rum Runner and bites from the raw bar. A can’t-miss is the Waterman’s Combo entree. If you’d like to catch your own dinner, the city has some of the best fishing in Virginia.
Where to Dock: Deep Creek Landing Marina
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The smallest of the coastal cities, Portsmouth, is an ancient seaport with a hip vibe known for quirky shops, eclectic restaurants and legendary hospitality. Its antique homes span three centuries, the largest collection of original period homes between Charleston, SC, and Alexandria, VA, still standing today. The city’s walkable districts have attractions and historic buildings, especially in the Olde Towne Historic District.
The self-guided Path to History tour connects America’s first naval hospital to her oldest naval shipyard, builders of the CSS Virginia (Merrimac), and America’s first aircraft carrier (USS Langley), all integral parts of the community. The path hugs the seawall with optional stops including the Lightship Portsmouth Museum, the Naval Shipyard Museum, and a few homes of notorious scalawags and heroes from bygone days.
Portsmouth is brimming with artistic expression. Walk Your Art Out: Art Scavenger Hunt is a quest for public art around the cultural district. The eight city blocks have two dozen public art installations and incorporate the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center, an 1846 Greek-Revival building, which served as a courthouse, as well as the Children’s Museum.
Whether you choose a restaurant that offers alfresco dining or enjoy your meal in a historic building, fresh and local isn’t a trend here, it’s a way of life. Stop by Gosport Tavern for their Southern-inspired dishes or visit Cafe Europa for an award-winning Mediterranean meal served in old world surroundings. Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas’ menu takes you around the globe in a cozy speakeasy atmosphere.
The Elizabeth River Ferry connects pedestrians from Portsmouth to downtown Norfolk. The ferry dates back to 1636 when a skiff was rowed across the river. It evolved and continued carrying vehicles until the Downtown Tunnel opened in the early 1950s.
Where to Dock: Ocean Yacht Marina or Tidewater Yacht Marina
Norfolk’s 144 miles of shoreline presents the opportunity to enjoy an abundance of water activities or just relax on the beach. Explore like a local via the Elizabeth River Trail (ERT), a 10.5 mile-long walkable/bikeable pathway meandering through historic neighborhoods scattered with breweries and delightful eateries.
Following a $40-million-dollar facelift, The Waterside District is brimming with waterfront dining and entertainment. The MacArthur Memorial, Harbor Park and Nauticus, a maritime science museum home to the Battleship Wisconsin and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, are within walking distance.
Considered one of the country’s Top 20 museums, the Chrysler Museum of Art features masterworks from major civilizations, historical periods and cultures from the past 5,000 years. Farther north on the Lafayette River, the Hermitage Museum & Gardens offers history, art and horticulture all in one spot.
Norfolk celebrates everything patriotic, cultural and musical during its 75 annual festivals. In June, Harborfest, begins with the famous Parade of Sail and ends with a thundering waterside fireworks display. August brings a star-studded cast from the international smooth jazz scene to the Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival.
October’s Annual NEON Festival takes place in the NEON District. Wander through Norfolk’s official arts district to discover tiny art happenings and large-scale murals of neon color and light. Anchored by the Chrysler Museum of Art and Harrison Opera House and extending to The Plot on Granby Street, the NEON District includes many creative arts year-round.
Norfolk is a melting pot of cultures that creates a dynamic dining scene from the simple to the divine. The seemingly simple Grilled Cheese Bistro menu offers 20 varieties of grilled cheese sandwiches plus 22 additions. All that cheese begs for wine. At Mermaid Winery in the Ghent neighborhood, the winemaking process can be viewed from the tasting bar.
Offering an eclectic twist on Southern home cooking, Hair of the Dog Eatery features hearty breakfasts and comfort foods accompanied by an extensive craft beer list and creative spins on traditional cocktails. Locally owned Grace O’Malley’s offers “great food, great music, great craic.” Virtually everything in the building was handcrafted in Ireland, including the bar. Even the recipes come from Irish kitchens.
Historic Omar’s Carriage House’s original patrons were horses, but today Omar’s serves American-Mediterranean plates in a folksy dining room. Their Moroccan Mondays are a cultural gem dining experience. Saltine is a chic, airy space to savor craft cocktails with seasonal shellfish, seafood and spirits. The black distressed millwork, old-world detailing, and mosaic tile floors lend historical authenticity.
Where to Dock: Morningstar Marinas at Little Creek
The Chesapeake Bay stretches 200 miles from Maryland’s northeastern border down to Virginia’s entrance to the Atlantic presenting scenic landscapes and charming waterfront towns. The summer boating season is prime time to check out the region’s traditions from cultural celebrations and music festivals to regattas and maritime events. Catch the following festivities hosted along the Bay from July to September.
Rock Hall, MD, July 7
Set sail to Rock Hall this July for a special celebration that honors working watermen of the maritime industry. A day full of family-friendly activities takes place at the Rock Hall Bulkhead where boaters can anchor along the harbor. Enjoy a variety of vendors and the popular boat-docking contest.
Where to Dock: Rock Hall Bulkhead
Leonardtown & Coltons Point, MD, July 12 – 14
This musical event boasts delicious seafood, performances and jazz cruises along Breton Bay. The weekend kicks off with a free concert at the College of Southern Maryland in Leonardtown, then the main event on Saturday at the St. Clements Island Museum in Coltons Point. Head back to Leonardtown on Sunday to close out the festival with brunch, shopping and live music at Port of Leonardtown Winery.
Where to Dock: Combs Creek Marina or Coltons Point Marina
Norfolk, VA, July 20 – 21
Downtown Norfolk’s Town Point Park hosts two days of free events along the waterfront. Feast on authentic cuisine, enjoy live music and learn to salsa dance at the Latino Music Festival on Saturday. On Sunday, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs a concert featuring national recording artists.
Where to Dock: Tidewater Yacht Marina
Chincoteague, VA, July 24
This barrier island splits Assateague Island, MD, with Chincoteague Island, VA, straddling the Chesapeake Bay to the west and Atlantic Ocean to the east. The beachy nature preserve is famous for wild ponies that roam the state park. Each summer, spectators flock to watch about 50 of these beauties swim from Assateague to Chincoteague and back. The Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival is also open each night with rides, games, food and raffles.
Where to Dock: Snug Harbor Marina
Ocean City, MD, August 5 – 9
Located on a barrier island between the Bay and the Atlantic, Ocean City, annually hosts what is known as the “world’s largest and richest billfish tournament.” Fishing enthusiasts from across the nation cruise to this beachfront town for a chance to compete for substantial jackpots. Last year’s event awarded more than $10.5 million in prize money.
Where to Dock: White Marlin Marina, Sunset Marina or Bahia Marina
Cape Charles, VA, August 10 – 11
Celebrating its 21st year, this two-day event is part of the Southern Bay Distance Racing Series. After a race across the Bay to Cape Charles, head to the social event with food, music and awards at Oyster Farm Marina at King’s Creek. Vessels race back to Buckroe Beach on Sunday. The daily raffles and auctions offer chances to win prizes!
Where to Dock: Oyster Farm Marina
Ocean City, MD, August 15 – 17
This annual ladies-only billfish release tournament benefits breast cancer research with a weekend of raffles, fun events and friendly competition. Kick-off with the Pink Party at Bahia Marina and the Battle for the Bras Competition on Friday, followed by daily weigh-ins, fishing and winners announced on Saturday. Close out with the Captain, Crew & Anglers luncheon and awards banquet at the Ocean City Convention Center on Sunday.
Where to Dock: Bahia Marina
Norfolk, VA, August 16 – 17
The area’s longest running outdoor jazz fest returns to downtown Norfolk with a two-day star-studded lineup. Escape in smooth saxophone sounds and dance to groovy tunes from renowned musicians at Town Point Park’s waterfront venue. Headliners include Norman Brown, Rebecca Kade and Four80East with Jeff Kashiwa.
Where to Dock: Morningstar Marinas at Little Creek
Deal Island, MD, September 7
Peddle along Deal Island’s backroads, marshes and scenic forested wetlands of a wildlife refuge on this 15-, 30- or 60-mile bike ride. The tour begins at Deal Island Harbor and covers beautiful trails along the water. Proceeds benefit the Deal Island Chance Volunteer Fire Company.
Where to Dock: Scotts Cove Marina
Eastport, MD, September 21
The Seafarers Yacht Club, a community-based organization promoting seamanship and youth education, teams up with the Eastport Yacht Club to host this charitable event. Located just south of downtown Annapolis in the Eastport neighborhood, the regatta celebrates with a Shore Party and a day full of cruising. Net proceeds benefit the Seafarers Foundation’s mission to support underserved Maryland communities.
Where to Dock: Eastport Yacht Center
Hampton, VA, September 21 – 22
The East Coast’s premier inboard hydroplane race returns to Hampton’s waterfront for an adrenaline-pumping weekend. Spectators can watch boats crank from 80 to 170 mph across the Bay. View from the Mercury Boulevard bridge that leads to Fort Monroe and the grassy areas on Stilwell Drive.
Where to Dock: Old Point Comfort Marina
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Baltimore, MD, September 24 – 28
Head to Baltimore’s upscale Harbor East neighborhood for this annual boat show on the Patapsco River. Peruse the intimate in-water selection of new and used powerboats, attend educational seminars and network with fellow cruisers. Just steps away, feast on fabulous fine dining at an Atlas Restaurant establishment such as Loch Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel or the recently opened prime steakhouse, The Ruxton.
Where to Dock: Harbor East Marina
Cruise to St. Michaels, MD, to catch the following summer events at the museum:
• Big Band Night, July 6
• Watermen’s Appreciation Day, August 11
• Charity Boat Auction, August 31
• Boating Party Fundraising Gala, September 7
• Log Canoe Cruise Charters: MRYC Governor’s Cup Series, July 27, MRYC Labor Day Series, September 7, and Higgins, Commodore & Bartlett Cups, September 14
When deciding whether to buy a new boat or a two-year old vessel, reasonable minds disagree. Opt for the new vessel, and you get to customize everything, so it shines, sparkles and smells new. But you are also the builder’s guinea pig. The manufacturer inevitably tries out new configurations of equipment or placement in the engine room, and your first year of ownership serves as the builder’s testbed.
Empty Nest, my new, semi-custom-built Endurance 658L, was delivered to us just as I retired from my faculty job at Johns Hopkins, and it was perfectly timed for our first snowbird winter. My wife Ann and I left Annapolis, MD, on October 26 with our dog Gimel and made our way down to Key West over six weeks.
We spent three months at The Perry Hotel & Marina on Stock Island, FL, with a weekend side trip to Dry Tortugas. Traveling and living on board for such a long time is the best way to uncover issues while still under warranty. I don’t believe such a thing as a bug-free boat really exists, and as the boat size increases, so do the number of systems that can fail. Our 71-foot trawler is no exception.
All things considered, the first six months with Empty Nest were relatively successful. The builder, Hampton Yachts, included MAN 1200 engines instead of the CAT 18s used on previous hulls. Given the differences in shape and arrangements in these two models, one would expect that swapping out such a major component would introduce unexpected side effects. It turns out one would be right. For example, we have a transmission cooling issue that remains unresolved at high RPMs.
Additionally, the impeller for the main engines cannot be removed without disassembling and removing a sensor. Since changing the impeller is an annual service item, this may lead to complications. Furthermore, we already had one port-side engine sensor fail, leading to scary error messages and a reduction in engine performance, as well as a travel day that was several hours longer than needed. I’m concerned that having to move the sensors on both engines to change the impeller may lead to more sensor failures and/or false alarms. These are sensitive components.
We experienced other artifacts of the testbed effect. One day in Key West, Ann noticed water dripping from the master head ceiling. We called Seattle Yachts, our broker, and attempted to diagnose the issue over the phone. At their suggestion, I removed the ceiling panels (which involved cutting the low voltage wires for the lights) revealing ruined insulation on the copper pipes in the ceiling leading to the air handler.
A local mechanic I found did not want to attempt a repair, and so Seattle Yachts sent a service person down from Ft. Lauderdale. He spent several days on board dealing with this issue as well as several other ones, such as refrigerators that iced over and a gelcoat repair on the flybridge starboard side docking station.
The master head ceiling pipe insulation was replaced with higher grade pipe covering, and a vapor shield was installed. However, we were concerned that the pipes in other areas might “sweat” as well, so we added a punch list item to open the shower enclosure and change the insulation.
In the first few months on Empty Nest, we had to replace the flybridge refrigerator, get the trimtabs repaired (that involved hauling out the boat, and unfortunately, they still do not work), and fix the stabilizers, which have had ongoing issues. Ultimately, we had the entire ABT stabilizer control box replaced and a new 10-meter run of wiring installed in the engine room.
I won’t soon forget lying upside down on a bank of batteries in a loud and hot engine room while under way, screwdriver in hand, swapping out one of the stabilizer plugs while Ann was on the flybridge dodging crab pots on the way back to Key West from Dry Tortugas. I may have underestimated the role of “owner-operator.”
Our worst experience so far happened just outside Marathon on what was supposed to be our trip to the Bahamas. We first noticed a problem when Ann observed that the air handler display was blank. This happened once before when we had a shore power outage, so I assumed that the AC power had cut out. I figured it was a generator issue, which was not entirely surprising, as this generator had just been repaired but not really tested.
Ann took the helm while I went down to the AC power panel where I noticed that the air handler breaker had tripped. I switched it back on, and a very large spark came out of the panel. I heard a large crackling sound and smelled smoke. Uh oh.
I opened the engine room door and saw smoke billowing in the aft, port side of the room and noticed a strong smell of burnt tires. I quickly closed the engine room door and yelled as loud as I could for Ann to stop the boat. I was pretty sure that no fuel was in the area where I saw smoke. It was by the chiller system and the circulator pump, away from the engines and fuel tanks. But I also felt a sense of urgency.
I was able to get a hold of the Seattle Yacht mechanic who commissioned our boat. He walked me through some troubleshooting and determined that the boat was usable, so we found a slip in Marathon, and he immediately drove down from Ft. Lauderdale to meet us. After a few hours on the boat, the problem was identified — the generator was outputting over 400 volts, instead of the 240 it was supposed to, so several systems that were powered by the generator were fried, including the control boards for the air conditioning and some AC panel displays.
Our trip to the Bahamas would have to wait, and we took Empty Nest to Ft. Lauderdale where Seattle Yachts is working to repair everything as I write this article.
Back to my original question, should you buy a new boat versus a late model? I probably would not buy new again. The initial period on a new build can feel like you are living on an advanced prototype. Many of the issues we experienced in the first 10 months of ownership were one-time hiccups that once identified and fixed are completely resolved. Yes, any boat is going to have parts fail regularly, but I think the initial hit of all the systems being integrated for the first time is overwhelming compared to the ongoing issues that a boat experiences.
I’d like to end on a positive note. We love our boat, and I would not trade it for the world right now. I believe that we are at the point where most of the initial problems that one encounters on a new boat have been successfully addressed under warranty. As long as you are patient, flexible and willing to accept that part failures and mechanical/electric issues are par for the course, you can be a happy boat owner.
When Sun Dancer’s lines were made fast, and she settled contentedly into her slip, I gave in to the urge to pat her hull and whisper “good girl” as if I were a jockey bending down to pat the neck of my trusty steed after a winning performance.
Sun Dancer had just carried our good friends Mike and Sue safely on a nine-and-a-half-month journey, traversing the waterways of 17 U.S. states and one Canadian province. She had gone full circle around America’s Great Loop proving herself a capable and faithful vessel.
My husband Bruce and I met Mike and Sue McGeary of San Clemente, CA, in Florida when we were both in the thick of figuring out just how to care for, maintain and pilot our new-to-us trawlers. As often happens in the boating community, we became fast friends.
I sat down with them aboard their 48-foot Offshore Pilothouse to talk about their journey and experiences.
How did you learn about the Great Loop given you lived on the West Coast, and it covers the Eastern and Midwest parts of the country?
We read an article in a boating magazine 16 years ago that highlighted the Great Loop route and was immediately intrigued. With further research, we came across a book called Honey, Let’s Get a Boat. We joined the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) ... and the rest is history.
What captured your interest?
Making an open ocean voyage wasn’t on our bucket list, but a journey keeping in sight of land and mostly boating the inland waterways matched our aspirations. Plus, we were excited about visiting places where American history has its roots. What was your previous boating experience before you set out on the Loop? We owned a 24-foot water ski boat, but traveling across country in our RV gave us a glimpse into the cruising lifestyle’s challenges and responsibilities. Living in a small space, understanding basic maintenance of mechanical systems and power consumption, and being mobile were skills and lifestyle components that overlapped with the realities of boat life. Learning to navigate the waterways proved much harder than learning to navigate the roadways in an RV, and frankly sometimes boat life can be overwhelming.
Before setting out, what set of skills are essential?
It’s wise to know how to use and operate the various apps that help with navigation, overall weather synopsis, wind and tides. Also, be able to dock and undock in varying conditions. Practice in the worst conditions before beginning a journey. Although this goes against one’s mindset when you are learning and bolstering confidence, it will pay off later. Training captains is indispensable to build knowledge and gain confidence of how your boat maneuvers and reacts in varying wind/tide conditions and docking scenarios such as parallel parking, sliding in beside another boat, or backing in between pilings.
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What piece of equipment was essential, besides the obvious mechanical components like the engine?
For Sue, it was Starlink and Nebo, which is necessary to communicate and follow fellow loopers. Mike believes it’s the simple pleasures in life, such as having an onboard shower. It’s so convenient after a long day on the water.
What tools were useful?
The Looper’s Companion Guide by Capt. John Wright offered a good overview of the route and mileage. Becoming members of the AGLCA gave us a wealth of information and resources at our fingertips and a whole new set of friends who freely shared their knowledge and experiences. Nebo helped us see where other loopers were while underway or tucked in a marina.
What was an unexpected delight of your journey?
Mike recalls traveling along the canals — Erie, Oswego and Trent-Severn were beautiful. Sue remembers pulling over to tie up at a town wall along the canals for the night and exploring the local shops and eateries. Interacting with towns people, meeting other loopers and tasting the local cuisine were magical experiences.
What aspects of your trip were more stressful than others?
Locks were the least fun — and 105 of them awaited on the route we chose. Each type is unique, and each requires slightly different line handling and piloting skills. They never became ho-hum and always kept us on our toes.
What unexpected challenges did you encounter?
We were not accustomed to navigating in skinny, shallow water or fighting high waves that shoved our boat around. Our first and only high wave experience on the entire Loop was early on in St. Andrew’s Sound, GA. It’s large and shallow, and we had waves between 5 to 7 feet in confused seas. Everyone had stories to tell at the end of that day. Gaining experience and honing our abilities each day by dealing with extreme conditions such as currents, wind, waves and shallow water become part of life on the water. Confidence grows as time and miles pass by.
What skills have you consistently refined along the way?
Learning how to read the weather from the waves, wind and skies was key along with honing our docking skills with the “marriage saver” headsets. We always used them and consider them a must- have piece of equipment. We also perfected the words and phrases to use when docking, so the helmsperson and the line handler understood the situation and became a better coordinated team.
What has been your biggest personal challenge?
Experiencing so many new things and feeling out of my element in the beginning, notes Sue. Men and women often do things differently or think through a situation in another way, and it can lead to questions from your mate about why you hadn’t tied that knot right or took so much time getting to the bow. But, the camaraderie and kinship between the other looper men and women was a lifesaver. It’s the feeling that we weren’t alone, and lots of people experience the same feelings as you.
You mention the amazing small towns you visited along the way? What ones were your favorites?
With so many interesting and quaint small towns, I could list my top 30! We’d pull into a town and after exploring I’d say, “This is my new favorite town!” I did that all the way around the loop. A few favorites: Fernandina, FL, Beaufort, NC, St. Michaels and Annapolis, MD, on the Chesapeake Bay, Little Falls and Sackets Harbor, NY, and Saugatuck, Petoskey, and Charlevoix on the western coast of Michigan.
What unforgettable land excursions did you take?
Tangier Island, VA, and Mackinac Island, MI.
What other places were unforgettable?
The Hudson River Valley area wowed us with the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Home, Library and Museum, Culinary Institute of America, and West Point Military Academy; the Chesapeake Bay with Annapolis and U.S. Naval Academy; and of course, passing by the Statue of Liberty in New York. The historical education we received cruising through this part of our country elevated our appreciation of America.
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What do you wish had known before leaving?
Mike thought he’d be driving from the flybridge exclusively but ended up using the pilot house a lot, especially with early morning starts when the weather was very cold. Sue missed having bikes and would bring electric ones next time to explore farther afield from where they docked.
What is your favorite part of the Great Loop lifestyle?
The best was meeting fellow Loopers and eating out at the coolest restaurants. Some special times: a bonfire and s’mores in the Georgian Bay, rafting up and sharing cocktails while discussing the day’s events on the water with fellow loopers, and enjoying lots of laughs with new friends.
What moments will you remember forever?
Most notable were the people and other Loopers we encountered along the way who made our journey so memorable. We’ll fondly remember little acts of kindness that people showed us, including boaters coming together to solve an engine or electrical problem that someone in the fleet might have, or in our case, folks putting their heads together to trouble shoot and remedy a leaky steering fluid cable. In appreciation, there were offers of a car ride to the grocery store and invitations to dinner. We’ll also never forget anchoring under the light of a full moon in the Georgian Bay, visiting the Big Chute Marine Railway, or witnessing graduation day at the Naval Academy when the Blue Angles streaked across the sky.
Any words of wisdom for wannabe Loopers?
This is an adventure, not a vacation, so don’t rush and instead make memories that last a lifetime. If we were younger, we would have taken more time, even stored the boat and taken more years to finish it, for there’s so much to see and experience along the route. Also be open to constant learning in an ever-changing environment and be ready for the satisfying feeling of completing the loop. I reflect on our accomplishment and think, “Wow, we did that!”
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My aunt sat behind the wheel of the family’s Ford Country Squire station wagon, while my cousins and I sprawled across the backseat. As soon as we crossed the causeway bridge, the scent of salt air snapped our heads up with the same delight as the aroma of freshly baked cookies.
The tall buildings rising out of the sea looked to me like we were entering Oz. It was the mid-1960s. The names on the big billboards were as goosebump groovy as getting to see the wizard himself. Herman’s Hermits, Frankie Avalon, The Beach Boys. We were headed straight into the heart of Atlantic City, to the Steel Pier, to the boardwalk.
Atlantic City, NJ, is home to the first boardwalk built in the United States. The year was 1870. In the early days, boards on the beach proved a necessity to keep the sand on visitor’s feet out of hotels and railcars. Over the years, confectionary shops, arcade games and live entertainment combined with the lure of sun, sand and sea gave the boardwalk and its culture a distinct personality.
Today, “Doing the boards,” whether at the Jersey Shore or other beach towns along the Atlantic Coast, is still a summertime must-do rite of passage.
New York
More than a boardwalk, this three-mile-long world-famous footway is the birthplace of the amusement park, the roller coaster, and the hot dog, according to Cindy Vourderis, PR, marketing and events manager for the Alliance for Coney Island. “Go on the Wonder Wheel at least once. Celebrating its 104th year, the wheel is nicknamed ‘the most romantic ride in the world’ because of how many people propose here. You get amazing panoramic views when you reach the top.”
Those more daring can ride on the Cyclone Roller Coaster, one of the oldest U.S. wooden coaster rides. Grab a Nathan’s Famous Coney Island Hot Dog topped with sauerkraut and chopped onions for dinner, then settle in for the Friday Night Fireworks series (June 21 to August 30 at 9:45 p.m.).
Where to Dock: Miramar Yacht Club
New Jersey
Travel this five-mile wooden way by foot, bicycle or in a legendary rolling chair, while stopping to sightsee, eat and play. This provides a traditional boardwalk experience, says Jessica Kasunich, director of communications for Visit Atlantic City. “The boardwalk also demands a nod to saltwater taffy. It was deemed the first Atlantic City Souvenir.”
A new rollercoaster will debut at the Steel Pier this summer, and the Lucky Snake Arcade & Raceway at the Showboat Resort is the largest on the East Coast. The Peach at the Beach Festival happens outdoors at the Showboat Resort on July 13, and the Visit Atlantic Airshow takes place on August 13 and 14.
Where to Dock: Golden Nugget Hotel, Casino & Marina or Kammerman’s Marina
New Jersey
It’s famous for being one of the liveliest seaside stretches on the East Coast. Often called America’s Boardwalk, this quintessential strip of the Jersey Shore boasts over 100 rides and attractions on three amusement piers, three beachfront waterparks, flashing arcades, carnival games, shops, and 200+ restaurants and snack shops. Take a bite of classic boardwalk culture in handmade fudge, funnel cakes, frozen custard, saltwater taffy, and fried Oreos and Twinkies.
The Sightseer Tram Cars, easily seen by their sun yellow color, are a must-ride attraction along the 2.5-mile boardwalk, says Ben Rose, director of marketing and PR for Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority. “Whether you’re riding in the tram taking in the sights or walking along the boards, it’s hard not to join along when you hear, ‘Watch the tram car please.’” Recorded in 1963 by North Wildwood resident Floss Stingel, this announcement is one of the most recognizable phrases at the Jersey Shore.
Where to Dock: Schooner Island Marina
New Jersey
A century ago, boards lay where this nearly two-mile-long esplanade is today. Still considered a boardwalk by locals, this protective seawall serves both as a beach barrier and an entree to entertainment. Convention Hall, the focal point of the boardwalk, hosts Tuesday Magic Shows, Wednesday Dance Nights, and Thursday Movies on the Beach, as well as a summer concert series.
“Wake up and stroll the boardwalk, visiting the coffee shops and bakeries on Beach Avenue. Then, spend the day on the beach. Finish with dinner at boardwalk restaurants, followed by fun at the arcades,” suggests Kacie Rattigan, director of civic affairs, recreation, tourism and marketing for the City of Cape May. Enjoy the spirit of generations of boardwalkers with the arcade game of Skee-Ball at the Family Fun Arcade or Beach Arcade, both on the promenade.
Where to Dock: South Jersey Marina
Maryland
Many years ago, hotels and businesses would lay down boards for guests to walk on and remove them at high tide. At the turn of the 20th century, a permanent promenade was constructed, and the Ocean City Boardwalk was born. Today, the almost three-mile stretch is packed with family-friendly activities, restaurants and shops.
“Those who are looking for the traditional boardwalk experience need to indulge in the classic fare, like Thrasher’s French fries, an Ocean City delicacy served in bucket sizes and only with salt and 100% apple cider vinegar. Plus, play arcade games and ride a few rides, like the Ferris wheel looking over the beach and boardwalk,” says Jessica Waters, marketing and communications director for the Town of Ocean City. During the summer, businesses around the boardwalk host free activities such as concerts, kite shows and movies on the beach.
Where to Dock: White Marlin Marina
Virginia
Victorian vacationers “walked the boards,” but a century-ago fire led to the walkway’s rebuild in concrete. Spanning from 2nd to 40th street, this promenade is both pedestrian- and pedal-friendly.
“The 28-foot-wide boardwalk features a separate bike path,” says Erin Goldmeier, director of media relations for the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Rent a four-wheel surrey- topped bike, so the whole family can use their pedal power. Stop for a selfie with King Neptune, a 24-foot, 12-ton bronze statue at the entrance to the Neptune Festival Park on 31st Street. At the other end of the boardwalk, head to Waterman’s or Chix’s for a Virginia Beach orange crush cocktail.”
Events such as music festivals, surfing championships and sand sculpting competitions keep the boardwalk hopping.
Where to Dock: Rudees Inlet Station Marina
South Carolina
Located in the heart of downtown with dazzling views of the deep blue ocean along its 1.2-mile span, this is a “green” boardwalk. As part of a recent renovation, the wooden boards were replaced with planks made out of recycled plastic. “The SkyWheel is a top boardwalk attraction and offers bird’s- eye sights of the beach from some 200-feet high,” says Denielle Van Dyke, PR manager for Visit Myrtle Beach.
“There are also several fun Ripley’s attractions, thrill-seeking rides like the Slingshot, and a classic arcade that has been a family favorite since the late 1930s and is considered a local landmark.” The Carolina Country Music Fest (June 6-9) is a famous event with headliners this year including Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood and Lee Brice.
Where to Dock: Grande Dunes Marina
Florida
A heaping helping of history is located along the one-mile paved pedestrian way. This spans from the nearly century- old Daytona Beach Pier, also known as the Main Street Pier with restaurants and shops, to the Daytona Beach Bandshell built in 1934 of natural coquina rock.
“The Bandshell hosts free live concerts Friday and Saturday from May 25 to September 28, with fireworks launched from the pier after Saturday’s performance,” says Andrew Booth, director of communications for the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Thrill seekers should head to Screamer’s Park, where the Slingshot propels riders 365 feet into the air at 70 mph. For a tamer time, the Mardi Gras Fun Center is filled with video game favorites plus the ever-popular Skee-Ball.
Where to Dock: Loggerhead Daytona Beach Marina
Florida
Best known as a “broadwalk,” because it’s a 2.5-mile brick rather than board oceanfront promenade. Reasons to visit include a children’s water playground, exercise equipment at Charnow Park, public art displays, restaurants serving everything from pizza and ice cream to fresh seafood, and many attractions. Or, go for a stroll or rent a surry-topped jitney bike.
“The Hollywood Beach Bandshell at Johnson Street features live music programed by the Margaritaville Beach Resort on Wednesday through Sunday nights,” says Kris Rebar, city spokesperson. “The broadwalk also hosts signature events every year, like the popular Fourth of July Celebration featuring entertainment during the afternoon and an offshore firework display at 9:00 p.m.”
Where to Dock: Loggerhead Marina Hollywood
The only way to visit the 2020 Olympics was virtually, due to the pandemic. Not so for the 2024 Games in Paris, France. In-person tickets have been on sale since last year for this XXXIII (33rd) Olympiad, which takes place from July 26 to August 11.
However, if you want to sit front-row center for all the watersports competitions, that will be an Olympic effort in itself. Contests are spread out from Paris to cities throughout France and across the globe as far as Tahiti for surfing, to provide the most competitive conditions. Armchair fans can watch live broadcasts on NBC’s streaming platform Peacock. Here’s the scoop on what’s happening when and where, and the top U.S. names to watch in watersports this summer:
August 5-10
Aquatics Centre Saint-Denis, France (12 miles north of Paris)
Like dancing in the water, the goal of synchronized swimming is to make challenging routines look as easy and flawless as possible. In recent years, the sport has progressed to a fast- paced, high-flying, performance arts sport, according to Adam Andrasko, chief executive officer of USA Artistic Swimming. “Anita Alvarez is the first three-time U.S. Olympian in the history of the sport. Her near-drowning experience at the 2023 World Championships was international news, and her courage and resilience since then are unmatched.”
For the first time, men are eligible to compete in Artistic Swimming. The U.S.A.’s Bill May as potentially the first male Olympian in the sport is big news. There are two medal competitions, one for teams of eight athletes who will swim three routines: Technical, Free and Acrobatic. This is the first time the U.S.A. has a team in the Games since 2008. The Duet or two-athlete event features two routines, Technical and Free. In both, the scores from each routine are added to determine the winner and runners-up. Russia has dominated this sport at the Olympics since 1996. Now, China is the world’s top team, followed by the U.S.A. in second, Spain in third, and Japan in fourth.
July 27-August 5 (Slalom), August 3-5 (Kayak Cross), August 6-10 (Sprint)
Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium Vaires-sur-Marne, France (20 miles east of Paris)
Plant yourself in this white-water stadium, the first newly developed Olympic facility of the 2024 games, because either slalom or sprint canoe/ kayak events happen every day of the competition. In Slalom, athletes navigate a 150- to 400-meter-long whitewater course through rapids, plus downstream and upstream gates. Point scoring is based on the fastest time, while penalties strike for touched, missed or incorrectly navigated gates. Sprint athletes race head-to-head in canoes and kayaks in a nine-lane course over 200m, 500m and 1000m distances.
Watch for Nevin Harrison, reigning Olympic champion in the Canoe Sprint Women’s Canoe Single 200m event, who hopes to defend her title in Paris. Look out too for 20-year-old Evy Leibfarth, a first-time Olympian who has dominated national competitions in all three canoe slalom disciplines — canoe, kayak and kayak cross.
“Kayak Cross will make its Olympic debut in Paris this summer,” says Kaycee Maas, communications manager for the American Canoe Association. “This is an exhilarating head-to-head race where four paddlers drop from an elevated platform into a technical whitewater course. Athletes still navigate green and red gates that are different than traditional slalom gates.” Overall, Slovakia, France and Germany dominate Olympic canoeing.
July 27-August 10
Aquatics Centre Saint-Denis, France (12 miles north of Paris)
Diving is a lot like gymnastics. At the Olympic level, athletes perform as many as 41⁄2 somersaults or 3 twists between jumping off the diving board and entering the water. Synchronized diving, which features two divers at the same time, was added to the Olympics in 2000 and takes place in 2024 as well. “Individual diving events have preliminaries, semifinals and finals,” explains Jennifer Lowery, public relations officer for USA Diving.
The top 18 from prelims advance to semis, and the top 12 from semis advance to the finals. Synchronized diving is finals only. A team of seven judges, 11 for two divers at a time, award points based on the diver’s skill in completing various parts of a dive like the starting position, take-off, timing of movements during flight and angle of water entry. Scores are displayed on a scoreboard.
The 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for diving will be held June 17-23 in Knoxville, TN. The U.S. will likely have a mix of veteran and first-time Olympians. Among the divers vying for spots on the 2024 team are 2020 medalists Delaney Schnell, Jess Parratto, Andrew Capobianco and Krysta Palmer. The U.S. dominates the world with 141 Olympic medals, including 49 gold.
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July 27-August 3
Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium Vaires-sur-Marne, France (20 miles East of Paris)
Rowing played on the big screen last year. The Boys in the Boat, directed by George Clooney, tells the story of University of Washington’s rowing team moving from their Depression-era start to gold at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. For 2024, “All our boats have athletes who have competed on the senior national team before. Meghan Musnicki is a four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic gold medalist looking to finish her career with one more medal,” says Carolyn Glandorf, communications and marketing coordinator for US Rowing.
Liam Corrigan and Nick Mead, a pair of two-time Olympians in the men’s four who placed third at the World Championships in 2023, are on the hunt for a podium return in Paris. Michelle Sechser, two-time Olympian who placed second last year in the World Championships, is competing in the women’s lightweight double.
This is the last time the lightweight events will be raced at the Olympics. They are replaced by Beach Sprints at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Boat categories include sweeping (two oars) and sculling (one oar) with one to eight crew. Events evolve from heats to repechages, semifinals and finals. Scoring is simple. The first boat to cross the finish line wins.
July 28-August 8
Roucas-Blanc or Marseille Marina Marseille, France (480 miles Southeast of Paris)
This windy Mediterranean Sea venue welcomes one of the most diverse slates of boats and boards ever to appear in an Olympic program. In a nutshell, there are four mixed (men and women), three male and three female events creating a first for gender equality.
“Kiteboarding will make its debut and is sure to attract flashy X-Games sports-style fans,” says Allison Chenard, media and communications coordinator for U.S. Sailing’s Olympic team. “We have windsurfing, the widely loved and popular ILCA 6 and 7 classes (formerly ‘Laser Radial’ and ‘Laser’), wild looking ‘skiff’ 49ers and 49erFXs, a flying catamaran (Nacra 17), and a traditional but highly technical mixed gender 470.”
No past medalists are on the U.S. roster this year, but we have experienced Olympians, notably Stu McNay who will be racing his fifth Olympics with Tokyo 2020 Olympian Lara Dallman-Weiss. Daniela Moroz has earned six consecutive World Champion titles in the Women’s Formula Kite and is slated to win the first U.S. gold medal in sailing since Anna Tunnicliffe Tobias’s Laser Radial Gold in Beijing 2008. U.S.A. is second to Great Britain in Olympic sailing medal count.
Four days in 10-day window July 27-August 8
Teahupo’o Tahiti, French Polynesia (9,765 miles from Paris)
As in Tokyo, when surfing made its Olympic debut, competition in 2024 will feature shortboard events for men and women. The Pacific Ocean off this small coastal village is famous for its surf break, with waves ranging from 6 to 23 feet. Judges score each rider’s wave runs on a scale of 1 to 10, drop the highest and lowest scores, and compute a final score based on the two highest remaining scores.
“We are excited once again to have some of the world’s top surfers competing for Team USA,” says Kristen Gowdy, manager of Paralympic and IMS communications, for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. “On the women’s side, we have Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 champion Carissa Moore and 2023 world champion Caroline Marks, as well as Olympic rookie Caitlin Simmers, who finished fourth at worlds in 2023. For the men, John John Florence and Griffin Colapinto have punched their tickets. Paris will be the second Games for Florence and the first for Colapinto, who took the bronze medal at the 2023 world championships.” The United States, South Africa, Japan, Brazil and Australia are strong surfing countries.
July 27-August 9
Paris La Défense Arena Nanterre, France (7 miles west of Paris)
U.S. Olympic Team Trials for swimming take place June 15-23, in Indianapolis, IN. “There are several athletes to watch, although surprises can always happen at Olympic Trials. One includes three-time Olympian and recent recipent of the Presidential Medal of Freedom Katie Ledecky, who has amassed eight gold medals, including two in Toyko in the Women’s 800m and 1500m freestyle,” says Jacob Grosser, senior director of marketing and communications for USA Swimming.
Another is Robert “Bobby” Finke, who also won a pair of golds in the 2020 Olympics in the Men’s 800m and 1500m freestyle. The 35 swim events include men’s and women’s events; freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly strokes; distances from 100m to 1500m; and both solo and relay races. Two open- water or marathon swims, a men’s 10km and a women’s 10km, happen on the Seine River. The U.S. is a swimming powerhouse amassing nearly 600 Olympic medals, with about half as gold.
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July 27-August 11
Aquatics Centre Saint-Denis, France (12 miles north of Paris)
It’s a combination of soccer with its counterattacks, hockey due to power play advantages after a foul and basketball with its outside shots. That’s how Greg Mescall, chief content and marketing officer of USA Water Polo describes the sports thrills and spills. “We have a strong women’s team who’s won Olympic gold in 2012, 2016 and 2020. This year, the roster has six past Olympians and seven making their debut. The men’s team is composed of three-fourths returning Olympics. This puts the men in a strong position to medal in Paris, something they haven’t done since 2008.”
Twelve men’s teams and 10 women’s teams play a round robin (every team plays every other team), quarterfinal, and finals all based on the number of matches won. Hungary boasts the most Olympic water polo medals, with the U.S. in second.
Boat camping bestows intimate immersion in the great outdoors and access to camping spots unreachable by car, elevating the experience and circumventing crowds. State and national parks are favored locales for this growing trend, where many boaters are sleeping under the stars each summer.
This adventuresome combination of surf and turf is a gratifying (and economical) way to get some quality R&R during the warm months. After waking up to a crisp sunrise and devouring your campfire-cooked breakfast, you’ll be glad you left civilization behind for a while. Here are seven East Coast destinations to cruise in and camp out.
Maine
Just six nautical miles off the coast of Stonington, ME, lies the rugged beauty of Isle au Haut. On its west side sits Duck Harbor, a small anchorage with no services and often no other boats. It’s the most remote part of Acadia National Park and is ideal for solitude, stunning ocean views and serene forest strolls.
Hike the Duck Harbor Trail to get a bird’s-eye view of your boat from the peak of Duck Harbor Mountain, and on a clear day you’ll see the outer islands. Farther along the trail, Long Pond is perfect for an invigorating freshwater plunge or a vantage point to watch floatplane air traffic to and from the airport. Nearby campsites offer limited amenities, so pack everything you need.
Massachusetts
A perfect provincial escape from the city, the Boston Harbor Islands offer exceptional cruising among diverse islands, inlets, bays and peninsulas. New England’s rocky coast is spotted with secluded sandy beaches, allowing visitors to decide between relaxation and privacy or adventure and exploration. First colonized in the 1800s, the 34 Boston Harbor Islands were later abandoned as people moved to Boston proper. More than 100 old structures remain, including lighthouses, wood-framed cottages, stone walls, forts, bunkers and other military buildings — a testament to the region’s enduring history and character.
Public mooring sites are located on the Islands of Spectacle, Peddocks, Georges, and Gallops, and Spectacle Island has a marina with available slips. Peddocks Island offers campsites for tent camping, or you can simply pack a bag and rent a wood-framed yurt that accommodates up to six people, complete with bunk beds and electricity.
New York
A favorite summer stop for boating New Yorkers, Fire Island National Seashore welcomes motorboats, sailboats, kayaks and canoes. Far from the buzz of the city, this 26-mile-long barrier island comprises high dunes, centuries-old maritime forests and unspoiled beaches. Summer activities at Fire Island include sightseeing, hiking, wildlife-peeping and fishing. Two lifeguarded beaches at Sailors Haven and Watch Hill make prime destinations for camping by boat, because both have marinas with overnight stays available.
Sailors Haven Marina offers 45 public slips with electricity and water, and Watch Hill is a 175-slip facility with water, electric and pump-out service available. For those who enjoy paddling, free ranger-guided canoe tours from Watch Hill lead participants through Fire Island’s extensive salt marsh. No hard-surfaced road connects Fire Island’s communities, and most are accessible only by ferry or private boat, helping to retain their charm and personality.
Delaware
Where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean sits Cape Henlopen State Park and its more than six miles of coastline. Barrier dunes, coastal beaches, and maritime forests host abundant animal and plant life, and visitors to the Seaside Nature Center can learn about the park’s diverse ecology. Watersports include ocean swimming, boating, fishing, clamming, kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing. On land, borrow a bike for free and discover the park’s trail system.
Cape Henlopen’s pier, a relic from Fort Miles’ World War II operations, offers 24-hour access to fishing in Delaware Bay. Several observation towers from WWII also remain within the park, and climbing to the top of Tower 7 provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Miles and the surrounding dunes and woodlands. The campground is set among a sandy sparse pine forest and includes 20 tent sites adjacent to the Walking Dunes Trail.
Maryland/Virginia
The barrier island of Assateague is best known for its picturesque long-running beach and famous wild horses roaming herds throughout the island. Canoeing and kayaking are popular watersports here, particularly on the island’s bayside. The Bayside Rental Stand, part of Assateague Outfitters, offers kayak tours, bike rentals, camping provisions and souvenirs.
The island is shared between Maryland and Virginia, but camping is only allowed on the Maryland side of the state line where bayside and oceanside campsites welcome visitors all year long. Beachgoers on Assateague can be found fishing, digging for crabs or wading among the gentle waves. A selection of family-friendly programs led by park rangers encourages visitors of all ages to discover Assateague’s ecosystem. Stop by the visitor center for a Junior Ranger book.
North Carolina
Along the southern Outer Banks of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, Cape Lookout National Seashore encompasses 56 miles of undeveloped barrier islands split into three sections: the North Core Banks, South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks. Nearly all stretches of shoreline here can be accessed by ferries and personal watercraft. Cape Lookout visitors enjoy surf fishing, swimming, hiking, birdwatching, windsurfing, kayaking and beachcombing for shells — perfect for a long boat- camping weekend.
These three undeveloped barrier island groups offer natural and historical features that make getaways here memorable. Expansive beaches provide a pristine habitat for wild horses and shorebirds, and the iconic diamond-patterned Cape Lookout Lighthouse has watched over the seashore for over a century. Once a thriving port town, Portsmouth Village now lies deserted and invites the archaeologically inclined to explore the former fishing and livestock town’s historic remnants.
South Carolina
At the southern end of South Carolina’s sweeping Grand Strand beach sits Huntington Beach State Park, where visitors revel in beach camping and some of the state’s premier birdwatching and surf fishing. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate experiential programming at the park, such as viewing loggerhead turtles and other endangered animal and plant species. Huntington’s freshwater lake is home to alligators and minks.
Cultural landmarks include Atalaya Castle, a gorgeous Moorish-style residence and the former winter home of philanthropist Archer Huntington and his sculptor wife Anna Hyatt. Art lovers flock here for the renowned Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival, held in September. Each campsite offers Wi-Fi, water and electrical hookups, with hot showers and restrooms nearby. For even more remoteness and privacy, a designated walk-in tent site area provides tent pads and central water.
Snakehead fish terrorize the shores of a lake town in the movie Snakehead Terror, while a catfish á la Jaws devours teenagers in Beneath. The outsized fiction of such low-budget horror films may be stranger than truth, but the threat of the northern snakehead and blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed is all too real. They are apex predators chomping on most other fish, competing for habitat and throwing off the balance of the food web.
“Both blue catfish and northern snakehead have quickly spread through the Chesapeake Bay watershed, particularly in the past decade,” says Branson Williams, the invasive fishes program manager at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
“(Blue catfish) consume a host of different prey items ... like blue crabs, white perch, American eel and Atlantic menhaden... Similarly, northern snakeheads can reach very high densities in some locations, and there is evidence that they reduce abundances of their prey species and alter fish communities,” Williams adds.
The concerted effort to stop these bad actors from overtaking the aquatic stage is simple: Cook ‘em up! Conservation officers, legislators, fishermen and chefs have come to the table and turned to the kitchen to serve these species to predators higher on the food chain, namely people.
“Our primary means of managing these populations, and hopefully reducing them, is through commercial and recreational harvest,” says Williams. “People are realizing that these fishes are delicious and readily available. We’re working with partners to increase consumer awareness and get more blue catfish and snakeheads on people’s plates in the region, and even nationally and internationally.”
Both species are being fished, processed and served. They’re blackened, pan seared, smoked, grilled and baked. They’re stuffed in tacos and po’ boy sandwiches and integrated into a host of other creative recipes.
Mild and flaky with a taste similar to rockfish (striped bass), blue catfish have made it onto menus throughout the region. When Eastport Kitchen in Annapolis opened eight years ago, the DNR dropped off blue cat and snakehead samples. Chef Chris Gosnell says he liked the taste of both fish, but he thought offering “snakehead” would be a tough sell. He fried up the blue catfish and put it on the menu as a po’ boy named “You’re My Boy Blue.” It’s been a popular dish ever since.
John Shields, chef at Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen in Baltimore, played off “coddies” (a patty using cod) to create “catties.” He’s turned crab imperial into blue cat imperial and shares a slew of recipes through his conservation-focused nonprofit, Our Common Table, which features a YouTube channel with blue catfish recipes.
“It’s a shame we have the blue cat, but we have them. There’s no going back on that, so we must figure out what we can do with these creatures,” says Shields. “Fortunately, they taste good. It’s a pretty versatile fish.”
Despite varied availability and a cringy moniker, some chefs prefer northern snakehead. Matthew Brusca, Chef de Cuisine at Alewife in Richmond, VA, offers snakehead a week or two each month. He describes it as a clean, firm, flakey whitefish and likes to fry it or use a Southeast Asian technique of steaming it in a banana leaf with sticky rice and siding it with garlic and chili sauces. Wait staff describe the fish’s invasive history when touting the specials.
“It looks wild, and it’s slimy, but break it open and it’s a nice eating fish,” says Brusca. “The common Alewife customer is pretty adventurous, so seeing something like snakehead piques people’s interest.”
Many believe renaming the snakehead fish will make it more palatable. Two senators are working on doing just that, although reaching a consensus is about as slippery as the fish itself. “Chesapeake Channa,” a play on the scientific name, has made it to the forefront. The nicknamed “Frankenfish,” so called due to its razor-sharp canine teeth, may be coming to dinner soon.
Blue catfish and northern snakehead made their entrée into Chesapeake waterways in different ways. The blue catfish hailed from Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio rivers. In the 1970s and 1980s, the species was introduced into Virginia’s James, York and Rappahannock rivers to establish recreational fisheries. They now occupy all major tributaries of the watershed. Much of that expansion has occurred over the past decade.
It’s hard to quantify how many blue catfish swim in the Bay today, but a good reference is the 2023 number fished from the Potomac and Maryland waters — 4.2 million pounds. Tilghman Island Seafood, the only USDA-certified blue catfish processor on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, processes almost 100,000 pounds of blue catfish a week.
Virginia recently announced $250,000 in state funding for blue catfish processor Sea Farms, Inc. on the Middle Peninsula. And Maryland senators secured $4.5 million in federal funding to help build the fishery, increase processing, study ecological effects and guide management of the blue catfish.
The northern snakehead, native to Asia and a delicacy in parts of the world, likely made it into U.S. waters due to aquarium dumpings and releases from fish markets. In 2002, it was spotted in a pond in Crofton, MD. The town took measures to kill the aggressive fish and eliminate it from the pond. But the fish, which has the unique ability to slither onto land and breath air for prolonged periods, turned up two years later in Chesapeake waterways.
“In 2004, the fish were documented in Virginia creeks of the Potomac River, and now are widespread and occur in all major tributaries of the Bay, and even some freshwater impoundments,” says Williams. “In some areas like Maryland’s Blackwater River, their abundance is startling, and we see anglers removing hundreds of pounds of these fish with regularity.”
Rises in water temperature, storms that bring freshwater into the bay and changes in acidity have helped both fish species flourish. Add to that hitching a ride in fish lifts at dams meant for spawning species and human transportation of the fish from one location to another. It’s a sticky problem.
Enter commercial and recreational fishing. The Maryland DNR and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources provide tips and guidelines for those wanting to catch and eat invasive species.
Experts agree that blue catfish, which swim in rivers and the bay itself, are typically found where the water is brackish. Whiskers on the sides and bottom of the mouth, a bluish-gray heavy body, and an upper jaw that protrudes beyond the lower make the blue catfish distinguishable from other catfish.
The northern snakehead has a distinct appearance with dark brown mottling and a torpedo-shaped body. It has long dorsal and anal fins and jaws that contain numerous canine-like teeth. Snakehead are found in many places but prefer sluggish water with aquatic vegetation and muddy bottom. Beware the razor-sharp teeth and slippery nature of the fish.
Transporting these fish species is illegal and can mean a fine of up $2,500. The DNR urges anglers to kill them rather than release them. They can be cut up and used for bait or fertilizer. Or better yet, cook ‘em up and help Chesapeake Bay waters.
INGREDIENTS
1 LB. BLUE CATFISH FILLETS
1/4 CUP FLOUR
1/2 CUP MILK
1 CUP GROUND YELLOW CORNMEAL
2 EGGS
2-3 TSP. OLD BAY OR J.O. CRAB SEASONING (OR TO TASTE)
LEMON WEDGES
CANOLA OIL FOR FRYING
TARTAR SAUCE
SALT
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Whip the eggs and milk together and add Old Bay or J.O. Crab Seasoning.
2. Mix the cornmeal and flour together and place on a plate.
3. Dip fillets in the seasoned egg mixture and place on the cornmeal/ flour mixture, sprinkling the top of the filet with the dry mixture and pressing it in with your hand.
4. Place prepared fillets on a baking sheet and let stand for 15 minutes
5. Preheat oil to 350 degrees on medium heat in a heavy cast iron skillet and carefully place fillets in oil when it is hot (to avoid crowding you may have to cook fish in batches). Fry until golden brown and crispy. About 2-3 minutes per side. Fish is done when it can be easily flaked with a fork.
6. Place cooked fish on a plate lined with a paper towel and season with salt and a squirt of lemon juice. Serve with tartar sauce and enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
1 CUP CRUMBLED SMOKED OR ROASTED CATFISH
1⁄2 CUP MILK
8 OZ. CREAM CHEESE
1⁄4 CUP FINELY MINCED ONION
1 STALK CELERY
1 TBSP. MINCED FRESH PARSLEY
3 TSP. SWEET PICKLE RELISH
1⁄2 TSP. LEMON JUICE
1 TSP. WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
CAYENNE, SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Put the smoked fish in a medium bowl and add the milk.
2. Cover and chill for 30 minutes to an hour. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
3. Cover and chill for 2 to 3 hours until flavors have blended.
4. Serve with your favorite crackers.
Recipes and photos are courtesy of Maryland’s Best
Summertime is a particularly active season for the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron. The warm weather and long days that boaters relish also provide ideal conditions for outdoor aviation events, making it an opportune time for the Blue Angels to engage with communities and inspire audiences. Spectators gather at airfields, beaches and other vantage points to watch them perform their breathtaking aerial acts against the backdrop of clear skies.
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The Blue Angels, formally known as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, emerged in the wake of World War II. In 1946, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, then Chief of Naval Operations, envisioned a team of aviators who would showcase the Navy’s aviation capabilities while inspiring the public and bolstering naval recruiting efforts. (Recall that the U.S. Air Force wasn’t founded until 1947). Thus, the Blue Angels were born, with Lieutenant Commander Roy Marlin “Butch” Voris handpicking the original team of pilots, many of whom were World War II veterans with extensive combat experience.
The name Blue Angels was not the initial choice for the squadron. In fact, it was among several options considered. Other proposed names included The Blue Lancers and The Flying Midshipmen. Ultimately, Blue Angels was chosen as the official name, capturing the spirit of naval aviation and the elite status of the squadron. While that’s the official line, I’ve also read the pilots selected the name after seeing an advertisement for the Blue Angel Supper Club in the New Yorker Magazine.
The Blue Angels’ first public demonstration took place on June 15, 1946, at Craig Airfield in Jacksonville, FL, the team’s original home base. The team performed a series of aerobatic maneuvers and formation flying routines, captivating the audience with their precision and skill. This inaugural performance marked the beginning of a storied legacy of aerial excellence.
From their modest beginnings, the Blue Angels have evolved into a premier demonstration squadron, dazzling audiences worldwide with their aerial prowess. Over the decades, the squadron transitioned from propeller-driven fighters to jet-powered aircraft, reflecting advancements in aviation technology and the changing needs of naval aviation.
A total of 17 officers serve with the Blue Angels. Each year, the team typically selects three tactical (fighter or fighter/attack) jet pilots, two support officers and one Marine Corps C-130 pilot to relieve departing members.
While hundreds of women have served with the Blue Angels in various capacities over its history, it wasn’t until 2014 that the team welcomed women into their ranks. That year, Lieutenant Katie Higgins became the first female pilot to fly with the Blue Angels. She piloted the C-130 transport plane known as “Fat Albert,” which is part of the support aircraft.
In 2023, Minnesota native Lieutenant Amanda Lee was named the first-ever female F-18 fighter pilot to become a Blue Angels team member. Amanda joined in September 2022. She has accumulated more than 1,800 flight hours and over 225 carrier-arrested landings. Her decorations include four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and various personal and unit awards.
The Blue Angels have several formations that they frequently showcase during their shows that are not only visually striking but also showcase the pilots’ skill and teamwork.
Perhaps the most iconic of all, the Diamond Formation features four aircraft flying in close proximity, forming a tight diamond shape. This was introduced in 1947. It highlights the precision and discipline of the pilots as they maneuver their aircraft in perfect alignment, with each member of the team maintaining a specific position relative to the others. During the Diamond Formation today, planes fly just 18 inches apart from each other.
The Delta Formation involves three aircraft flying in a triangular pattern, with one aircraft positioned higher than the others at the center of the formation. This displays the pilots’ agility and versatility as they execute synchronized maneuvers such as rolls and loops while maintaining the triangular shape.
In the Line-Abreast Formation, all aircraft fly side by side in a straight line, with each maintaining an equal distance from the others. This formation demonstrates the sheer power and speed of the aircraft as they roar past spectators in perfect unison.
During the Opposing Solos Pass, two solo pilots fly directly toward each other at high speed, passing closely but safely in the center of the flight path. This maneuver creates a dramatic moment of suspense as the planes approach each other head-on before banking away at the last moment.
In the Echelon Formation, aircraft fly in a diagonal line, with each subsequent plane positioned slightly behind and to the right or left of the leader. This maneuver creates a visually dynamic display as they maneuver together in a staggered pattern.
The Blue Angels’ impact extends far beyond their aerial acrobatics. A major component of their mission is to forge connections with communities and inspire generations of aviators at airshows, schools and public events, thereby allowing people to interact with the pilots and learn more about naval aviation.
The squadron relocated permanently to its current home at Sherman Field in Pensacola, FL, in 1955, providing locals and visitors with the pleasure of seeing the Blue Angels practice on a weekly basis from March through November. Residents say one of the best ways to watch a practice is from a boat offshore. In addition, two formal airshows in Pensacola take place every year. The Pensacola Beach Airshow is held in July and the Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow closes out the formal season in November.
The Blue Angels wow audiences around the world. From their humble beginnings to their current status as aerial ambassadors, they exemplify the highest ideals of naval aviation, inspiring awe and admiration wherever they soar. Since 1946, the pilots have performed for nearly 500 million fans.
The Blue Angels’ nationwide travel schedule in 2024 includes destinations on the West Coast, Great Lakes, Gulf Coast and Florida’s Atlantic Coast. If you’re on the water and interested in seeing them perform, check out the squadron’s full seasonal dates at blueangels.navy.mil
Several other military aerobatic teams captivate audiences with precision flying and dazzling maneuvers. Some of the Blue Angels’ notable counterparts include:
THUNDERBIRDS are the aerial demonstration squadron of the U.S. Air Force. Like the Blue Angels, they perform breathtaking aerial displays showcasing the capabilities of Air Force aircraft and skill of their pilots.
SNOWBIRDS are the aerobatic team of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Flying CT-114 Tutor aircraft, they perform intricate formations and maneuvers that highlight the pilots’ agility and precision.
RED ARROWS are the aerobatic team of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the United Kingdom. Flying Hawk T1 aircraft, they are famous for their dynamic displays and colorful smoke trails.
PATROUILLE DE FRANCE (PAF) is the aerobatic team of the French Air & Space Force. Flying Alpha Jet aircraft, they perform precise formations and maneuvers that showcase the skill of French military aviators. Established in 1931, PAF is the world’s oldest military aerobatic team.
BLACK EAGLES are the aerobatic team of the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). Established in 1994, they fly the T-50B Golden Eagle supersonic trainer aircraft. The Black Eagles perform precision formations and dynamic maneuvers, representing South Korea at airshows and events around the world.
About 10% of the world's population fish recreationally, and a considerable number of them are boaters. Those anglers have a unique understanding of waterways and the interconnection between our actions and aquatic ecosystems. The extent of recreational fishing on our environment has been difficult to quantify, but studies continue to show declines in fish populations and habitats. We can make a difference. Whether fishing for sport or food, responsible stewardship of our recreational fisheries is achievable.
Before casting off boat lines or a fishing line, do your research. Federal, state and local fishing regulations provide guidelines concerning where, when and what you are allowed to catch. Seasonal closures, size and catch limits are designed to reduce species depletion and encourage robust ecosystems. These restrictions can change, and individuals are responsible for knowing the regulations governing the area or species they will be fishing.
Downloading local fishing regulations and fish identification charts onto your cell phone will help you keep in compliance at a glance. Proper tackle such as circle hooks, measuring devices and dehooking tools can make successful releases easier for you and the fish.
No, not THAT kind of line, but a “fishing” line. Traditional fishing lines are composed of non-degradable materials like nylon. However, nylon-based monofilament lines and popular braided fluorocarbon lines can take anywhere from 600 to 1,000 years respectively to decompose. When improperly disposed of these lines can ensnare fish, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks and birds. Even properly disposed of lines are problematic in our landfills.
Biodegradable fishing lines are a readily available alternative. Biodegradable lines made from plant-based material and biodegradable plastic can decompose in under five years when discarded. Advancements in the biodegradable materials industry have led to the production of eco-friendly lines that can compete with their non-degradable counterpart. Berkley, Grizzly Jig and Bait Doctor are just a few of the many brands offering mono and braided biodegradable fishing lines.
Literally. Eliminating lead weights from fishing tackle can be pivotal in fish and wildlife protection. All anglers understand the propensity of tackle to not make it back into our tackle box. Lines snap, hooks snag and things get dropped when out on the water. An estimated 4,000 tons of lead from fishing tackle is released into our waterways annually. Discarded lead, which is toxic to wildlife even in small amounts, leaches into the water over time.
Another concern is the resemblance of lead weights to small pebbles and food. Many bird species ingest pebbles to aid in digestion, and bottom-feeding fish ingest debris when gathering food. Toxic levels of lead are easily passed through the food chain. A recent report showed 25% of common loon deaths were due to lead poisoning.
Non-leaded tackle alternatives include tungsten, steel, tin and tin/bismuth. Anglers will be happy to find benefits such as faster sinking and setting when using tungsten weights, a denser metal than lead. The extensive list of manufacturers making lead-free tackle includes popular names such as Bass Pro, Orvis and Eagle Claw.
If you choose to make this impactful change to your fishing gear, please dispose of older lead weights responsibly. Your local hazardous waste collection site should be able to receive them. If you have an abundance, you may find a scrap metal collector/recycler who would compensate you for them.
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A lifetime is a fraction of the time it takes for most lures to degrade. That is not necessarily a bad thing. I have a sentimental display of my father’s old lures. I love that they have withstood time and have served generations of fishermen.
Unfortunately, the environmental impact of artificial lures is hard to ignore. Over 54.5 million Americans engage in fly, salt or freshwater fishing annually. If each angler lost two lures a year — and let’s be honest, we know it could be more than that — it would result in over 109 million products left in our aquatic ecosystems each year. Hard and soft plastic lures contribute to littering and can pose complications for fish and wildlife.
The bait and tackle industry has been responsive to anglers looking to keep their favorite pastime environmentally friendly. Biodegradable versions of preferred artificial baits now exist in the marketplace. Berkley, Z-man, EcoLure and Eco-Logical are just a few of the companies offering biodegradable lures and soft baits. The cost of plastic-free bait and tackle will decrease as the number of anglers seeking to make this eco-savvy switch increases.
Diligently following fishing regulations and choosing eco-considerate gear may seem inconsequential when we consider the impact of commercial fisheries and other environmental hazards. A single line, weight or lure may not seem to matter. But to the sea turtle whose fin is constricted by a line lost years ago, a swan who mistook lead weights for pebbles, or a fish with intestinal blockage from a non-disintegrating lure, they matter.
Boaters will always have a unique relationship with our world’s aquatic ecosystem. How we steward the resources we enjoy while boating will make a difference for the generations to follow. Don’t let a healthy environment be the one that got away.
It’s that time of year where thousands of East Coast boaters frequent the 1,100-mile Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), also known as Marine Highway 95. This season brings exciting news for cruisers as a recently passed bill provides funds for maintenance dredging projects to enhance boater accessibility by clearing debris, preserving ecosystems and returning the waterway to its authorized depth of 12 feet.
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The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association (AIWA) has been working for more than a decade to restore sufficient dredging funding for the ICW. After the Congressional earmark ban started in fiscal year 2012, it was crucial to modify advocacy and education strategies to build the case for ICW funding as an interconnected marine highway system that stretched beyond individual congressional districts. This approach led to receiving almost $150 million in funding for states along the waterway since 2022.
Thanks to AIWA’s advocacy, Congress recently passed the 2024 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill with additional funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law granting $48.5 million to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to address critical waterway maintenance. The USACE is responsible for the waterway, and AIWA works closely with the federal agency to raise concerns for areas that require dredging. Dredging will take place in five states: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
Extending from Norfolk, VA, through Key West, FL, the ICW was authorized in the 1939 Rivers and Harbors Act and serves as a major waterway for the U.S. Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessels, cruise and tour boats, commercial fishing, recreational boating and much more. AIWA’s overall mission aims to encourage and support ICW commerce and recreation development through education, maintenance, safe navigation and dredging.
AIWA members range from state and local agencies and marine industry associations to various waterway services, marinas, clubs, dealers and more. Key partners include BoatUS, National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. As a founding member, BoatUS is heavily involved in advocacy and aims to bring boaters’ voices to the organization.
“When we think about Marine 95, we’ve got the snowbirds, travelers and local boaters, but all the local marinas are also dependent on this whole system working, so that’s why this is one of our major advocacy pieces we’re involved with and help push,” says David Kennedy, BoatUS manager of government affairs and AIWA board member. “But I always emphasize that BoatUS doesn’t do these things alone, and joining with other groups and getting those interactions really magnifies and leverages what we’re able to do for boaters.”
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Brad Pickel, executive director of AIWA, says the funding will allow all five states to complete dredging projects or work on “dredge material management areas,” which focus on strategically placing materials that are removed.
“In some areas where you dredge, you want to put it right on a beach, wetland or marsh for coastal resiliency and habitat restoration, but sometimes we have to store materials in upland locations, so we maintain those dredge material management areas,” says Pickel.
The funding supports a unique new project in South Carolina to take an upland management area and re-liquify the sand from past dredging to move it across the waterway onto a beach. This not only allows for more dredging capacity, but also repurposes a secondary use for coastal storm damage reduction and hurricane resiliency.
On Cumberland Island, GA, north of Crooked River near Cabin Bluff and Cumberland Dividings, the focus is on an in-water placement project to build a bird island and increase shorebird nesting habitats. The Florida region will work on what AIWA refers to as “direct beneficial use projects,” where they often place dredging materials directly on the beach and focus on environmental preservation.
Stay tuned for updates and check out more info by visiting the AIWA and BoatUS websites.
In 1935, more than 100 warships and thousands of sailors arrived at San Diego Bay during the California Pacific International Exposition where spectators toured historic vessels and honored seafarers. This quickly became a nationwide tradition coining the country’s beloved Fleet Week — a military celebration honoring sea service branches and welcoming sailors from across the globe to port cities.
This Memorial Day, as boaters hit the water and honor those who served, it’s the perfect time to kick off the holiday weekend with nautical festivities. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, check out the following Fleet Week celebrations throughout the year.
May 22-28
New York welcomes the boating season in style when the Fleet Week parade of ships enters the harbor every year around Memorial Day weekend. Celebrating its 36th year, visitors can catch festivities throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx.
May 22-27
The West Coast kicks off the holiday weekend with multi-day Fleet Week festivities along the Port of Los Angeles, CA. Events include ship tours, flyovers, live entertainment, welcome parties in downtown San Pedro and Wilmington, and the Galley Wars culinary cook-off competition between Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force and Army teams.
June 12-18
Historic vessels, adrenaline-pumping flyovers and family-friendly activities will grace the Baltimore Harbor this spring. Three festivals showcase live music, exhibitors, military displays and more at Inner Harbor’s West Shore Park, Broadway Pier in Fells Point and Martin State Airport in Middle River.
July 29-August 4
Celebrating the tradition since the ‘50s, the Seattle waterfront welcomes the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy this summer with exhibits and events beginning with the Parade of Ships through Elliot Bay.
October 7-14
Fall is the perfect time of year to head to the West Coast for Fleet Week activities. Witness ships sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, catch neighborhood concert series, and check out career opportunities and the STEM Center at the Humanitarian Assistance Village exhibition.
November 1-11
This Fleet Week tradition aligns with Veterans Day weekend and takes place along Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego, home to one of the largest U.S. military populations in the country. Activities include tournaments, concerts, tours, educational events and more.
As flowers bloom across the Mid-Atlantic and coax new life into picturesque scenery, Chesapeake boaters gear up for coastal cruising. The Bay offers a variety of springtime events from music festivals to historic-themed festivities and patriotic celebrations. Check out the following activities in Maryland and Virginia from May to June.
Ocean City, MD, May 9 – 12
Jeep enthusiasts gather annually in this popular beach town to celebrate with a week of events such as Jeep Jam and the Jeep Beach Crawl, taking off from the Ocean City Inlet traveling north to 29th Street.
Black-Eyed Susan Day & Preakness
Baltimore, MD, May 17 – 18
Part of the world-famous Triple Crown, Pimlico Race Course hosts Black-Eyed Susan Day on Friday, then the official 149th Preakness Stakes on Saturday accompanied by a huge party at the infield and live performance from Jack Harlow.
Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta
Cambridge, MD, May 18 – 19
Dorchester County celebrates one of the oldest powerboat races in the country on Maryland’s historic Eastern Shore. About 70 boats will race along Hambrooks Bay off the Choptank River. Spectators can watch on land from Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh or anchor along the Bay with plenty of open waterfront views from your vessel.
Annapolis, MD, May 22
Head to Maryland’s state capital to witness the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform an exciting flyover that is sure to rattle your engines and ears. Explore shopping and dining as you watch from the downtown Annapolis waterfront.
Patriotic Festival Country Weekend
Norfolk, VA, May 23 – 26
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with an all-American festival at downtown Norfolk’s Scope Arena Complex. Catch a star-studded country music lineup featuring Zac Brown Band, Warren Zeiders, Bailey Zimmerman and Hardy.
Smith Island Fishing Tournament
Ewell, Smith Island, MD, May 24 – 26
This third-annual tournament celebrates the culture of this iconic Chesapeake Bay island community. Proceeds benefit the Smith Island Fire Department and its first responders.
Chestertown Tea Party Festival
Chestertown, MD, May 25 – 26
Join the revolution this Memorial Day weekend at historic Chestertown’s 18th century-themed festival. Browse artisan booths and street parties, watch the military marching band parade and Tea Party reenactment, then close out the festival with Beerfest on Sunday.
Virginia, June 1
Give back to our beloved Bay and join the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s annual three-hour spring clean-up event. This Virginia tradition hosts clean-ups throughout various waterfront cities from state parks to transient marinas. Use CBF’s event locator map to find a city near you.
Hampton, VA, June 1 – 2
Travel back in time to when 18th-century Hampton was overrun by pirates and witness live historical reenactments led by the infamous Blackbeard himself. Join family-friendly attractions such as the Grand Pirate Bash at the Virginia Air & Space Center.
Annapolis, MD, June 8
Enjoy live music, local vendors, fresh oysters and waterfront views at Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s ultimate fundraising party of the year. Tickets sell out fast!
Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival
Kent Island, MD, June 8 – 9
Head to Kent Island Yacht Club to peruse the Eastern Shore’s finest collection of classic yachts, motorcars and antique speed boats. Enjoy events such as Cars & Coffee in the morning and cocktail parties in the afternoon.
Antique & Classic Boat Festival & Coastal Arts Fair
St. Michaels, MD, June 14 – 16
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend on the Miles River at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s annual festivities. Browse wooden and fiberglass classics and vintage racers, plus free boat rides!
Baltimore, MD, June 12 – 18
Tour U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels, witness amazing flyovers and enjoy celebrations with live music, exhibitors and military displays. Festivals take place at the Inner Harbor, Fells Point and Martin State Airport.
Hampton, VA, June 28 – 30
This festival has graced the city with renowned jazz, blues, soul and R&B performances for 50 years. Snag your ticket to Hampton Coliseum’s entertainment venue for three days of grooving.
With Memorial Day just around the corner, we’re all percolating plans for where we want to cruise this season. To ensure we reach our dream destinations without worry or incident, prudent boaters add safety checks to the mix.
It’s no coincidence that National Safe Boating Week happens on May 18-24 before we take off for the holiday. Responsible boating became a national concern decades ago and lead to President Eisenhower enacting the Federal Safe Boating Act of 1958 that responded to the rise in recreational boating across America’s waterways.
This Act eventually helped establish the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC). Its The Safe Boating Campaign spreads global boating safety awareness and is produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund and administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The annual Safe Boating Campaign kicks off in May and continues with activities and education throughout the year.
To make sure your vessel is in ship shape and your crew is prepared for whatever comes your way, check out the following National Safe Boating Week events and helpful resources.
Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day
Safe Boating Campaign
Nationwide, May 17
This annual campaign is a fun, educational way to increase life jacket awareness and highlight the various styles. Compete for prizes by posting the most creative social media photos with different life jacket styles, boats, settings and whatever you can come up with!
MarineMax Huntington
Huntington, NY, May 18-19
This Long Island town hosts the ninth annual Huntington Waterfront Festival & Craft Fair on May 19 showcasing boats, equipment, boating supplies, handmade crafts and more. After the festival, head over to West Shore Marina as MarineMax Huntington celebrates Safe Boating Week with demo rides on your favorite models featuring brands such as Aquila, Aviara, Boston Whaler, Sea Ray and more.
Safe Boating with the Coast Guard at Headquarters Regional Library
Collier County Public Library
Naples, FL, May 21
Celebrate National Safe Boating Week with the U.S. Coast Guard as they provide free safety demonstrations at the public library.
Safety Courses & Resources
Equipment Check
Be sure to check out the industry’s preeminent advocacy event, the American Boating Congress, held in Washington, DC, May 8 – 10. This conference brings together recreational boating and fishing leaders to advocate for policy priorities.
The tragic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26 forced the city to close its major shipping port, but maritime crews are working tirelessly to clear the wreckage and return to business as usual.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a statement announcing a projected timeline to open the 280-foot-wide limited access channel by the end of April and aims to reopen the permanent 700-foot-wide federal navigation channel by the end of May.
The Pride of Baltimore II topsail schooner, a replica of the 19th century clipper ship, received clearance to sail back to Baltimore on Monday after the ship was stuck docked in Annapolis and could not return to her homeport. Locals enthusiastically greeted the vessel, as she offered them a sign of hope.
The original Pride of Baltimore was commissioned in 1977 as the first tall ship to represent a city and state. It was inspired by the Chasseur, a clipper built in Baltimore’s Fells Point neighborhood and honorable merchant ship that played a critical role in the War of 1812. During her time in voyage, the Pride of Baltimore spent nine years sailing internationally and welcomed countless visitors onboard.
The iconic vessel sank in 1986 when it was struck by a squall north of Puerto Rico, leaving the ship, captain and three crew members lost at sea. An outpouring of support from the Baltimore community led to the commissioning of the Pride of Baltimore II in 1988 to serve as a sailing memorial to the original ship. Pride II was launched from the Inner Harbor and commissioned at Brown’s Wharf in Fells Point, just steps away from the birthplace of the Chasseur.
The Pride of Baltimore II has sailed more than 275,000 nautical miles around the world visiting hundreds of ports and continues to serve as a symbol of the city’s strength and resilience.
Risk and reward. People say you don’t achieve one without the other, and that’s certainly true when it comes to cruising the Lower Columbia River, which separates the states of Washington and Oregon in America’s Pacific Northwest.
The risk is short, but daunting. The reward is long, languid and lasting — breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful gorges and canyons, bountiful wineries, beachy isles and peninsulas, and bustling cityscapes.
But first you must “cross the bar,” as they say. Navigating the mouth of the Columbia is a tricky and sometimes dangerous undertaking, requiring equal parts preparation and prowess. The area is rightfully known as the Graveyard of the Pacific, with some 2,000 ships sunk or scuttled trying to traverse this stretch of sand and silt.
The narrowness of the channel and the rushing waters of the Columbia together create a constantly shifting sandbar that pushes about six miles into the ocean. The area’s weather and waves combine to make for treacherous and unpredictable conditions, regardless of whether you’re coming or going. Before departing, do plenty of research to get an idea of what you’re up against.
Having safely crossed the bar and cruised a few miles upriver to Astoria, you’re now looking at roughly 150 NM of relatively smooth sailing all the way to Bonneville Dam. Here’s a sample itinerary of the notable stops along the way.
Founded in 1811, Astoria has the distinction of being the oldest city in Oregon and the first permanent American settlement west of the Rockies. The fishing, canning and timber industries attracted a host of immigrants beginning in the 1800s, with Scandinavians, Chinese and Indian Sikhs leading the way. Today it’s a favorite cruise ship stop with a burgeoning arts scene.
The Columbia River Maritime Museum and the Astoria Column are worth a visit, and the Marina West Basin is steps from downtown. Hungry? Try Fede’ Trattoria Astoria for Italian dishes, fresh seafood from South Bay Wild Fish House, or for a real off-the-map dining experience, visit Drina Daisy Bosnian Restaurant. All are highly rated.
Estimated Mileage: 20 NM
There’s a lot of commercial traffic on this part of the river, with large vessels relegated to the 40-foot-deep ship channel that crosses from the Oregon side to the Washington side several times between Astoria and Portland. Have your charts close at hand.
A little farther upriver, the small town of Cathlamet lies along the Cathlamet Channel, which separates mainland Washington State from Puget Island. Lewis and Clark found the Kathlamet and Wahkiakum tribes living here on their Northwest Expedition in 1805. Today, Cathlamet celebrates Bald Eagle Days, a two-day festival held the third weekend in July, featuring a parade, street vendors, music and fireworks.
Estimated Mileage: 38 NM
Continuing upstream, the river runs east and then turns south toward St. Helens on the Oregon side. The city’s waterfront district offers several full-service marinas, as well as restaurants, pubs, parks and walking trails. Big River Taproom on Strand St. is just steps from the river, serving sandwiches, salads, sides and an array of “Chicago Dogs” for homesick Midwesterners. Dramatic views of snow-capped Mount St. Helens across the river to the northeast are part of the picturesque charm here.
St. Helens is only about 25-30 miles from downtown Portland, so a lot of local residents commute to work by boat from their houseboats along the waterfront. From mid-September through the end of October, St. Helens celebrates Spirit of Halloweentown, a festival of parades, street performers, fun attractions and family activities, including tours of locations featured in the movies Halloweentown and Twilight, which were filmed here.
Estimated Mileage: 27 NM
A short detour down the Willamette River at Kelley Point brings you to Portland, Oregon’s largest city. The Willamette cuts right through the heart of the Pearl District, Old Town and Downtown, putting you in the middle of the action. Mooring is available at Riverplace Marina’s public dock, if you want to hit downtown hotspots such as the Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Zoo, Powell’s Books or the Portland Saturday Market in Waterfront Park.
The city’s food scene is also worth checking out, with standouts like Jacqueline, Nodoguro, Tercet and Urdaneta drawing kudos from foodies everywhere. The Willamette also takes you to the doorstep of Oregon’s famed wine country. Consider renting a car and heading out Route 99W into the Willamette Valley, where you can sample some of the best American varietals — world-class pinot noirs, chardonnays, sauvignon blancs and rieslings, to name a few.
Estimated Mileage: 26 NM
Back on the Columbia River, Parker’s Landing Marina at Washougal Waterfront Park on the Washington side is a great place to refresh and refuel, and the views of Mt. Hood are spectacular. Moorage is on a first come, first served basis, and the marina can accommodate vessels up to 45 feet.
About a mile and a half down SE 6th Avenue on the other side of the Washougal River is neighboring downtown Camas, WA, where you find the Camas Boutique Hotel, about as picturesque a place as you’d ever want to lay your head. But before you call it a night, head down NE 3rd Avenue in Camas to Salud! Wine Bar & Italian Dining and peruse its seven-page wine list, then select from a menu of handmade Italian classics like osso bucco, veal piccata and sausage with peppers.
Washougal is home to dozens of restaurants, and the city hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Washougal Songcraft Festival, Art & Music Festival, Summer Solstice Festival and the 4th of July Concert and Fireworks.
Estimated Mileage: 22 NM
The final leg of your upriver journey takes you to Bonneville Dam, passing spectacular scenery along the way, including Vista House at Crown Point, Bridal Veil Falls, Multnomah Falls and Beacon Rock. The marina at Beacon Rock State Park features a boat launch, dock and pump-out station.
Bonneville Dam is a good place to make the turn and head back downriver. The dam is a National Historic Landmark and was the largest water impoundment project of its type in the United States when it was constructed in the 1930s. Visitors can tour the two hydroelectric powerhouses and watch migrating salmon, sturgeon and shad traveling upstream at the underwater viewing rooms next to the fish ladders. The best time to see migrating fish is late April through early November, with peak time being the first two weeks of September.
Recommended reading: The Oregon State Marine Board publishes its Boating Guide to the Lower Columbia & Willamette Rivers at oregon.gov
The Waters of the Upper Chesapeake may be calmer and less crowded than areas to the south, but the small history-rich communities dotting the shoreline are enjoyable stopovers during a weekend aboard.
Havre de Grace would be an excellent location for a Hallmark movie. A mix of historic and charming, contemporary and quirky, the town provides an authentic Chesapeake Bay experience. Elegant inns, prime restaurants, cozy cafés, overflowing antique shops, specialty boutiques and an eclectic arts community keep the downtown vibrant with nearly non-stop activity.
Havre de Grace has several excellent museums. Waterfowl carving is at the heart of the Bay’s culture, and the Decoy Museum houses one of the finest collections of decorative and working decoys ever assembled. Explore African American history through the Havre de Grace Colored School and Cultural Center’s exhibits and displays. Open by appointment only, admission is free.
Multiple self-guided and group tours take you around town including Havre de Haunts “The Phantom Footsteps of Lafayette” tour and a seasonal tour via kayak.
Havre de Grace has an active schedule of popular annual events such as the holiday Candlelight Tour, The Ice Festival, with over 50 artistically lit ice sculptures, and the Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival featuring both vintage and modern waterfowl decoys of all types and makers. Many events, concerts and festivals are held in the 900-seat STAR Centre, the renovated Havre de Grace High School. The restored Cultural Center at the historic Opera House offers local and professional theater, concerts, films and art exhibits.
Popular with locals and visitors alike, First Fridays is a vibrant street festival held May through December. The town center is blocked off for sidewalk sales, al fresco dining, beer gardens and a live band on each of the eight blocks.
Located on the banks of the fish and fowl laden Susquehanna River, Havre de Grace has an abundance of independently owned eateries. Three coffee shops await on Washington Street, and the Vintage Café, serving breakfast and lunch, sports an old-fashioned soda fountain.
Well-known waterside restaurants such as MacGregor’s is housed in a circa 1924 bank building and Tidewater Grille offers open seating and expansive glass windows that make for spectacular sunset views. Coakley’s Pub is a casual family hang out with an extensive menu including an award- winning cream of crab soup.
Two newer entries to the dining scene are Water Street Seafood, a classy pub with a menu that includes hot steamed crabs and plump oysters, and The Vineyard Wine Bar & Bistro, which has received The Wine Spectator award for “one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world.”
For suds lovers, nano-brewers Market Street Brewery and Battery Island Brewing Company are worth a visit for the view as well as the brew.
As a Maryland-designated Arts & Entertainment District, Havre de Grace has lived up to its promise of history, culture, and outstanding food and drink.
Where to Dock: Tidewater Marina
18 NM
A famous canal town dating back to the early 1800s, Chesapeake City is on both the National and Maryland Historic Registries and the Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail. Easily walkable streets meander around restored homes, quaint shops, waterfront eateries and charming B&Bs.
Begin your day at the Bayard House for weekend brunch, then stroll through the various boutiques or explore the C&D Canal Museum. Relax over a cold craft beer at Bayheads Brewing Company while deciding which of the excellent dinner options suits your taste.
The Bayard House has a lovely canal-side sunroom for dining or an umbrella strewn Hole in the Wall deck bar for a warm evening option. Its newer sister restaurant, Prime 225, serves steak and seafood in a charming room gently lit by gas lamps.
The Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina offers fine dining inside or dockside delivery along with energetic live music on the deck. Guests enjoy top- notch entertainment ranging from comedy to dance parties in the ballroom.
On the northern shore, Schaefers Canal House has convenient dockage moving in or out of the C&D Canal. A parade of yachts, ships, tugs and an occasional pirate ship pass by the multideck Lighthouse Bar where local bands liven up the evening.
Where to Dock: Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina
11 NM
A quaint, historic seaport located at the confluence of the Delaware River and the original eastern end of the C&D Canal, Delaware City with its colorful, rich history blends easily with the spirited waterfront community.
Locals and visitors mingle at Crabby Dick’s, winner of Best of Delaware crabcakes, for crabs and a brew and a story or two. The town gets a bit crowded during the annual September Canal Fest mixing bass-heavy blues music, art in the park and an assortment of well-known artisans.
Fort Delaware, a Union fortress built in 1859 to protect Wilmington and Philadelphia ports, is accessible only by a half-mile ferry ride to Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. Costumed interpreters enact the summer of 1864 when the fort housed prisoners of the Civil War. Well-known for being haunted, the fort has been featured on Ghost Hunters and other shows. Get in the spirit on one of the fall paranormal tours along the Prison Camp Trail.
During its entire history, Fort Delaware has never fired a shot in anger and now shares the island with The Pea Patch Heronry, one of the largest mixed species nest colonies for herons, egrets and ibis in the eastern states.
Where to Dock: Delaware City Marina is a full-service marina and boatyard with slips, fuel and ship’s store.
New Shoreham is the heart of Block Island at the mouth of Long Island Sound between the coast of Rhode Island and Montauk. Only a half-hour ferry ride from the mainland, this tiny island boasts over 17 miles of coastal beach and 30 miles of walking trails.
The ferry docks in Old Harbor at the popular Ballards Beach, just steps away from Water Street, the retail strip with harbor views. Old Harbor is a National Register Historic Site, preserving the homes of many shops and hotels in lovely Victorian buildings.
Bikes and mopeds are available for rent to explore the rest of the island. A 16-mile, 12-stop self-guided bike tour showcases many of the island’s charms. Almost half of Block Island is preserved land, making it a recognized destination for rare flora and fauna and a nature lover’s paradise. The bike tour takes riders to some of the most beautiful places on the island such as the vast Rodman’s Hollow and the dizzying Mohegan Bluffs.
Walking and hiking trails of varying difficulty and terrain crisscross the island. Check out the north of the island on the other side of the beaches for some mindful walks. Clay Head Nature Trail, or the Maze, is a cliff-top network of interconnected trails perfect for leisurely wandering and birdwatching. The Sacred Labyrinth is a walking meditation near Great Salt Pond with beautiful views at the center of the spiral. The Nature Conservancy also offers guided nature walks free of charge.
As you make your way around the island, be sure to keep an eye out for glass floats, decorative glass spheres made by local artist, Eben Horton, as part of the scavenger hunt-like Glass Float Project. Block Island is a whimsical and accessible vacation destination. Let this be your invitation to explore New Shoreham and the outdoors.
401-466-7777
In New Harbor, on the west side of the island, awaits one of New England’s largest resort marinas. Boaters enjoy more than 4,700 feet of linear dockage that accommodates vessels up to 250 feet long. Enjoy all onshore amenities including restaurants, a boutique hotel, heated pool, water sports and Mudslides at the famous Traders Dock Bar.
401-466-5572
Located in New Harbor, Payne’s is a family-owned marina that offers fuel, bathrooms, water, electric and trash disposal. On site they have restaurants, a bar and an ice cream shack.
401-480-1429
Situated in between Champlin’s and Payne’s Dock, this seasonal marina offers 100 slips with 85 reserved for transients. Amenities include fuel, shower facilities and maintenance services from Brewer Street Boatworks and Oldport Marine.
401-466-2654
With both indoor and outdoor seating, Dead Eye Dick’s is a crowd pleaser that serves fresh seafood and beautiful sunsets over New Harbor. The restaurant and bar offer casual lunch and dinner service next to the public boat launch.
401-466-5856
One of the island’s classier eateries, Winfield’s has a small, specialized menu featuring local produce and farm-raised meat. The restaurant’s ambience in the dining room and lounge is comfortably elegant.
401-466-5844
Have a meal in the oldest hotel on Block Island. Enjoy the classic New England architecture while eating outdoors or in the formal dining room. With an on-site farm, the menu is sure to bring only the freshest ingredients to your plate.
Seeing dolphins at the bow, colorful corals, soaring sea birds and lively fish never gets old. Yet, new encounters with unique species are also a wonderful part of boat life. As boaters who frequent marinas, beaches and waterways, we have all either heard or uttered out loud, “What IS that?”
While a lot of marine life could illicit this response, a brief look at some of the usual suspects — the sea hare, sea cucumber, sea pork and horseshoe crab — can help us appreciate and protect the marvelous mysteries of our marine ecosystems.
We were at a marina in Key West when a dark, undulating creature was swimming at the surface of the clear blue water. A small crowd gathered, none of whom had ever seen anything like it. The soft-bodied creature had two small horn-like structures and “wings” spread out like a Batman cape. Before long, imaginative guesses were replaced with researched confirmation that we’d encountered a sea hare.
Sea hares are mollusks named for the large tentacles on their head that remind some of the ears of a hare. Their small interior skeleton is covered by a soft mantel with external wing-like extensions the length of their body. Their color, ranging from dark maroon to browns and greens, is dependent on the color of the algae they eat.
As an important food source for many marine predators, they are also valuable in neuro research. Sea hares do not have an abundance of neurons, but they do have some of the largest neurons in the animal kingdom. This distinct anatomy makes it easy for researchers to isolate individual nerve cells and identify which are responsible for specific behaviors. The sea hare is an important contributor to the study of memory, behavior and learning in human neurology.
Nature has no shortage of marine specimens whose names do little to help us understand them. A fitting example is the sea cucumber. This species may have the general shape of a cucumber, but that is where the resemblance ends and the question, “What IS that?” begins. While swimming or snorkeling in shallow waters, you may happen upon what appears more like an ugly potato.
Though harmless to humans, disturbing them is not recommended as they have a startling method of defense. When concerned for their life, they expel their internal organs. Known as evisceration, the tubular organs are unappealing, sticky and toxic to predators.
Living on the sea floor, usually near grass beds and coral reefs, sea cucumbers tend to burrow or be covered in sand, much like earthworms. Like worms, they provide nutrient cycling as they take in sediment, absorb food particulates and expel clean sand. This process releases nitrogen and calcium carbonate, key components for healthy coral reefs. One study showed a sea cucumber population produced over 70,000 tons of this valuable excrement a year.
Surprisingly, these unsung heroes of our coral reefs are overharvested. They might not taste like their namesake, but they are a luxury food item, prominently featured on menus for festive and formal dinners in many Asian countries. Fortunately, like their namesake, sea cucumbers are relatively easy to farm, and aquaculture farms may play a pivotal role in their conservation.
As odd as the sea cucumber may seem, it is far from the most queried. That honor probably goes to the equally poorly named sea pork. Beachgoers who happen upon sea pork washed ashore inundate local fish and wildlife organizations, aquariums, police and even television stations with calls asking, “What IS that?”
The inquiries are understandable. When found on beaches or in seagrass beds after storms, the rubbery sea pork can resemble brains, chicken cutlets, waterlogged organs or petroleum byproducts. When alive, sea pork, the common name for tunicates, are stationary filter feeders. Spending their lives siphoning water and feeding off bacteria, they are considered our oceans’ best purifiers.
Gliding along in shallow water or creeping along the shore, the prehistoric-looking horseshoe crab is a frequent recipient of “What IS that?” proclamations. More closely related to spiders than crabs, the armor-domed, spike-tailed horseshoe crab is falsely intimidating. This harmless bottom feeder’s carapace is its primary defense, and its tail is used as a rudder or to help right itself if it gets turned on its back.
Horseshoe crabs and their eggs are a primary food source for many coastal predators and migrating shore birds. The horseshoe crab’s blue blood has made a significant impact on the biomedical industry. Its copper-based blood contains a substance that will clot in the presence of toxic bacteria. This agent is used to test for bacteria in injectables and to verify the sterility of medical devices.
Encounters that pique our curiosity and inspire us to ask, “What IS that?” are part of what makes boating a mighty adventure. Witnessing strange yet beautiful, weirdly impactful, and small but powerful marine life helps to remind us that our aquatic environment is vast, valuable and worthy of protection.
Midway between New York City and Boston, Stonington Borough offers the perfect small-town escape from busy urban life. In what locals call “The Borough,” life seems to move at a more relaxed pace amidst quiet, tree-lined residential streets and a scenic waterfront.
As the oldest borough in the state, Stonington is a great place to learn about and experience Connecticut’s maritime history. The Stonington Harbor Light and Lighthouse Museum stand at the end of Water Street, overlooking the award- winning duBois Beach and East Lawn.
Take Water Street in the other direction, and you will find antique shops, boutiques, consignment stores, cafés and galleries. You will also pass Connecticut’s last commercial lobstering and fishing fleet. The beautiful Stonington Free Library, built in 1900, is worth a visit. The surrounding lawns on Water Street make an idyllic spot to read a good book and sip a fresh-brewed cup from Indulge Coffee across the street.
Guests discover plenty to do in Stonington — shopping, enjoying the growing craft beer and wine scene, exploring walking trails through the salt marsh, and visiting creative spaces. La Grua Center presents cultural exhibits, speakers and musical performances on Water Street. The Velvet Mill, a repurposed mill building, now home to studio and gallery spaces and small businesses, is a short walk from the center of town.
If you’d like to investigate the surrounding area, the more crowded but ever popular Mystic, CT, makes a great day trip. Pequot Golf Club and Saltwater Farm Vineyard, located in a World War II airplane hangar, are a couple of the many fun half-day activities in the area. Stonington Borough perfectly captures the quaint coastal New England experience, complete with friendly locals.
Don’s Dock
860-535-0077
Located just north of the shopping district on Water Street, this family-run business offers 200 slips along with repair and maintenance services. Moorings in Stonington Harbor accommodate large boats.
860-536-6207
Part of Connecticut and Rhode Island’s marina group, Lockwood Marinas, this facility offers full-service boat maintenance, off-season storage and seasonal dockage for vessels up to 46 feet. Check out the beachfront cottages and watersport rentals.
860-535-1507
Offering transient moorings and dockage, Dodson’s is a full-service marina with 110 moorings. They employ 35 technicians and have a yacht broker on hand.
860-415-4510
Dog Watch Café is a casual eatery with a canine theme and indoor and outdoor seaside dining, as well as lawn games and live music. The menu presents locally sourced dishes ranging from a raw bar and pizzas to sandwiches and seafood-centric entrees. Dogs are welcome at both restaurant locations.
860-415-8123
A waterfront seafood restaurant, Breakwater also has a vegetarian/vegan menu. The prime location offers stunning sunset views indoors and outdoors. Its spacious bar serves craft cocktails with an upscale vibe on Water Street.
860-535-2122
Guests enjoy just-caught seafood that features fresh oysters and local organic produce in a warm eclectic environment. The menu is diverse, with French and Asian inspired specials. Opened 25 years ago, a meal here is not just dinner but a true Stonington experience.
After boating in Maine for more than 20 years, my husband Greg and I often tell fellow yachters that the Mid-Coast is the beating heart of Maine. Miles of shoreline stretch to dramatic peninsulas and tuck up into pretty harbor towns like Rockland, Rockport, Camden and Belfast. The Pine Tree State has more coastline than California, and this section is special.
Most visitors to this vacationland, also known as the Land of Lobster, bypass this beautiful region on a mad dash for Mount Desert Island’s Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. As boaters, we treasure the many quieter, quintessential seaside towns and islands to explore.
As you head “Downeast,” which is northeast of Portland, you are soon cruising by the interesting waterways of Muscongus Bay and Muscle Ridge, passing the promontory of Port Clyde and famous Marshall Point Lighthouse. Then you enter the legendary boating territory of Penobscot Bay.
As you round Owls Head Light, you know Rockland is ahead. Soon to starboard, the impressive Breakwater Lighthouse comes into view to greet you on a shimmery granite spit. Safe Harbor Rockland is perfectly situated at the head of the bay to dock your boat, a full-service marina, next to Archer’s on the Pier restaurant, and steps to town.
Rockland feels both irresistibly authentic and scenic. It’s a true working waterfront. Rockland was a quarry for massive granite stones shipped to create landmark buildings in New York City and Washington, DC — hence the name. And the town remains a hub for fishing and shipping, with an active cement factory.
On a beautiful stroll from the docks along Rockland’s waterfront Harbor Trail, we discovered this seaside town has blossomed into Maine’s art capital with plentiful galleries, as well as a lighthouse and art museums — most notably the famous Farnsworth Art Museum that features generations of Wyeth paintings. Just strolling Rockland’s old brick streets is a treat, with intriguing shops and dining spots.
After browsing boutiques, we found the happy humble diner, Rockland Café, on Main Street. Greg said his eggs benedict were among the best ever. My fish cakes were better than my father made (sorry Dad). Since 1992, this café rocks with an unchanged kitschy décor, salty waitresses and super deals on everything from egg dishes to seafood and of course, lobster.
Splurging with a night off the boat, we checked into the grand oceanfront Samoset Resort. It’s THE place to stay in Rockland and Rockport (it actually borders both towns). They offer a free shuttle to town in season. Our ocean view room overlooked Samoset’s seaside golf course and the lighthouse from the immense hotel’s third floor.
The property was recently renovated and is quite chic. We had choices of resort golf, tennis, pool and hot tub, or lawn games like disc golf. We opted to walk out the gleaming stacked granite boulders to the lighthouse; the path starts on the edge of Samoset’s expansive grounds.
Stepping across massive rock monoliths that tower two stories high above the water at high tide, we made it out the 4,000 feet length to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. The assembly of these huge heavy Maine stones almost 150 years ago is mind-boggling, and views of Rockland Harbor and out to sea are impressive from the old Light Station.
That evening, our return to downtown Rockport coincided with a hometown Solstice Parade down Main Street. We ducked off the bustling sidewalks lined with local families into a pub. In Good Company is an upscale bistro where we grabbed a seat at the cozy bar. We sipped cocktails over local banter while savoring delicious “nibbles” served with warm crusty fresh-made bread.
Rockland is a boater’s treat — a festive hamlet with an annual North Atlantic Blues Fest, Lobster Fest, weekly art walks, farmers markets and more.
Boating farther, we cruised by Rockport’s tiny harbor, as we had visited this tight little bayfront before to see Andre the Seal’s statue when our kids were little. Our son and daughter had been enamored by the tale of this friendly flippered Maine mammal who became famous in 1962.
In the heart of Maine’s midcoast was our next port, Camden, a delightful harbor surrounded by mountains. Aptly “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea” is its moniker, as Camden Hills and Mount Battie stretch down toward the busy waterfront where this 1769 New England village sits like a postcard scene.
Docking at the Public Town Landing is quite convenient as Camden is super foot-traffic friendly. Harbor Park and the beautiful brick public library grace the top of the bay. Just steps from the waterfront, attractive sidewalks lead to refined boutiques and local craft stores like The Smiling Cow and Once a Tree, plus art galleries and clothiers.
A hearty meal at Marriner’s Restaurant satisfied our craving for classic Downeast fare in a cheap and cheerful setting. The buttered grilled blueberry muffin is out-of-this-world, even better with an outdoor deck table. For dinner, the more bourgeoise menu was recommended at Peter Ott’s on the Water.
Cellardoor Winery was a fun afternoon food and wine adventure, with a hired ride from Sterling Elite to nearby Lincolnville. This neat winery is like Napa comes to Maine. Overlooking a lush vineyard, we sat in their sophisticated renovated barn and enjoyed sips and course-after-course of the chef ’s delicious food and wine pairing lunch from Cellardoor’s sparkling tasting kitchen.
More strolling along Camden’s beautiful waterfront was a perfect way to wile away the remains of the day. Or we could have hiked Camden Hills State Park lookout trails with spectacular views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay below.
Boating northward from Camden along West Penobscot Bay, we passed Seven Hundred Acre Isle. Then, Islesboro also to starboard offered entertaining scenery. We were tempted to explore the many beautiful Penobscot Bay islands, but we headed to Belfast Harbor and the Passagassawakeag River.
Belfast isn’t on every boater’s treasure map, which makes it more of a gem. Docking via Snag-A-Slip along the calm waterfront at Front Street Shipyard, we immediately found the lovely mile-long Harbor Walk. This mariners’ village offers visitors a self-guided “Museum in the Streets” heritage-discovery tour.
Following signage throughout town, we learned the chronicle of Belfast’s evolution, beginning with Native American settlers who fished in canoes carved from native birch and pine trees. This explains the Passagassawakeag River name, which is indigenous for “a place for spearing sturgeon by torchlight.”
Along our Main Street stroll up a gentle hill by the harbor, we poked in Colburn’s, the oldest shoe store in America. Among other accolades, Belfast was a well-heeled shoemaking capital. The 250-year-old town is resplendent with well-preserved Italianate and Federal brick homes that now host art galleries and shops. Belfast is self-dubbed “Maine’s biggest little city” with a dozen cafés and a chockfull farmers market with vendors selling Maine food, crafts, jewelry and furniture.
We loved our lunch on Belfast’s waterfront at Nautilus with fantastic river views. Sitting at the bar, our fun bartender Mary gave us the local scoop. She recommended the rich and delicious lobster stew, followed by a decadent haddock Reuben that was cheesy and full of fresh flakey fish. Yum!
Needing to walk it off, we crossed the beautiful Armistice Bridge pedestrian boardwalk for more great views of the bayfront shipyards and pleasant summer cottages that dot the quiet shoreline.
Signs to the Belfast Rail Trail, also nicknamed the Passy Rail Trail, lured us on a 2.9-mile path. Belfast’s old Central Railroad tracks now serve as a nice public walkway along the river for pedestrians, pets and bikers. It is scenic, often shaded and peaceful. Belfast is also famed for its 157,000 daffodils on display in spring.
We’d heard the Penobscot Marine Museum was not to be missed. This is Maine’s oldest museum dedicated to preservation and education about Maine’s shipbuilding and fishing heritage, but we missed it, as it was closed on our visit. Next trip for sure. Back on our boat for sunset, we reflected on our magnificent Maine Mid-Coast exploration and plotted our next adventure into the Downeast region.
When the days grow long and the sibling squabbles reach fever pitch, summer camp offers a welcome respite for parents and children, along with the opportunity to create life-changing memories and lifelong friendships. They present the opportunity to get kids off the couch, put down the electronics and head off for camp to participate in boating, swimming, theater, science, watersports, the environment and more.
If you’re looking for summer activities to engage your children or the entire family, check out the following sampler of camps and programs around the Great Lakes.
Barker, NY
Camp Kenan boasts more than 50 acres of beautiful land filled with adventures for campers to explore. From taking aim on the archery range, scaling the climbing tower, swimming, mastering the rope courses, hiking wooded trails or singing by the fire, summers here provide an unforgettable experience. With overnight, day and first experience options, the program helps kids experience camp life, develop essential skills and make new friends. A two-week Leader-In- Training program for teens 14-15 develops leadership, communication, team building, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
Cleveland, OH
Head down to the center’s Camp Curiosity Summer Day Camp and see its new 2024 themes that focus on nature, the arts, space, sports, LEGOs, tech and more. Camp sessions by grade level include Ride the Brainwave to explore thoughts, moves and decisions; Science of Sound to march to the beat of your own drum while learning how sound works and music affects the brain; GREAT Lakes to dive into preserving ecosystems and learn how to help save the Great Lakes; and Science of Art to discover how creative science can be when mixed with art.
Cleveland, OH
This group offers a summer drama camp with musical theater elements that immerse students in interactive and educational theater-based activities. It’s a unique opportunity for students to work with and learn from the theater’s professional teaching artists in a facility equipped with a full auditorium and state of the art classroom. The program is designed for students 6-17 with of all levels of experience and ability with no audition required. Divided by age, Theater Camp features classes in acting, Shakespeare, movement, improvisation, stage combat, mask making and musical theater.
LAKE ERIE ISLANDS NATURE & WILDLIFE CENTER
Put-In-Bay, OH
The center strives to be an educational resource for communities with new free programs often added to the schedules. Resources are available to help families with fun activities for kids (and adults!) to do at home. New interactive digital displays for the taxidermy collection provide in-depth info about the species on display. The camp’s mission is to encourage children’s natural curiosity of the outdoors by engaging them in fun and educational activities.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE GREAT LAKES
Toledo, OH, off Lake Erie
Located on the Maumee River, the museum offers educational programs for children of all ages. The Great Lakes are not only an important natural resource, but they have dramatically impacted North America’s social, economic and political history. The NMGL tells stories through photography, over 300 artifacts, and 40 hands-on interactive exhibits including the 617-foot iron ore freighter Col. James M. Schoonmaker museum ship and the historic museum tug Ohio. The tales span hundreds of years, from the fur traders in the 1600s to the Underground Railroad in the 1800s, the rum runners in the 1900s, to the present.
Bay City, MI, off Lake Huron
BaySail provides Science Under Sail, a hands-on, environmental science program on the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay. In the summer, BaySail offers Windward Bound youth sail training programs with voyages to Great Lakes ports. Windward Bound is a liveaboard experience for teens 14 to 17. During voyages aboard the 85’ schooner Appledore IV and the 65’ schooner Appledore V, the focus is on seamanship and freshwater science, which means learning the art of traditional sailing and studying the lakes’ ecology. As the ships sail between ports, participants stand watch while learning every aspect of running the ship from navigation to meal prep. Each voyage takes the crew on a unique experience partly determined by the destination and time aboard.
LAKE MICHIGAN GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM
Grand Rapids, MI
A history and science center with three floors of exhibits plus a 1928 carrousel, theater and planetarium, the museum on the Grand River has lots to offer. From mid-June to mid-August, kids pre-K through high school can explore the wonders of science, history, culture and more at Camp Curious through a variety of camp offerings. Different options are presented for each age group, divided by school grades. Past camps have included Slimy Science, Fossil Hunters, Dream It, Build It with LEGO® Bricks and Young Wizards Academy.
Cheboygan, MI
When campers are ready for an overnight trek, this up-north waterfront destination between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan is waiting. Campers ages seven to 16 go water skiing, tubing, sailing and paddleboarding on spring-fed Long Lake. Horseback riding and other athletics are also featured. Since 1959, campers on the shores of Long Lake have explored more than 150 acres of virgin forest, open meadows, and rolling hills and trails.
NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Traverse City, MI
NMC’s College for Kids provides enrichment courses for ages four to 17 including ACT test preparation, art, cooking, martial arts and youth flute choir. The popular summer program features more than 150 week-long courses where kids can build on core school subject skills or explore a brand-new hobby. At NMC’s main campus or at an offside partner facility, instructors develop their curriculum making each class unique for students. Young learners are introduced to adventures in art, science, technology, engineering, art, theater, dance and more.
Duluth, MN
Summer day camps use the aquarium as home base while learning about the natural world: caring for animals, celebrating Lake Superior, SCUBA diving, and more. Campers learn about the geology, ecology and significance of this immense lake. Older campers explore the water’s depths and heights and feed creatures from lake sturgeon to bald eagles. They learn about special features that help animals survive in land or water habitats. Campers prepare meals, clean exhibits, test water quality and more. Teaching, Restoring and Observing our Watershed with Teens (TROWT), a service-oriented program, teaches youth about exploring local conservation issues that impact our daily lives.
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
LSSU Kids Camp is a day camp for children ages five through 12 years old. Located off Georgian Bay between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, LSSU is the perfect setting for swimming, sports, crafts, outdoor adventures, climbing wall, ice skating, kayaking and canoeing, team-building initiatives and more.
Where can you find turquoise blue and emerald green waters, and seemingly endless sandy beaches with spectacular sunsets projecting a kaleidoscope of colors almost every evening? It sounds like the Gulf Coast or California, but Michigan is the place to go. Boating here promises to deliver boundless shorelines, historic ports and a string of lighthouses that dot its western coast from the bottom of Lake Michigan in Chicago to the top off Mackinac Island.
The “inland seas” have a rich maritime heritage from Niagara to International Falls that ranges from recreational boating and ship building to fishing, sailing and jet skis. Long before the auto industry gained a foothold here, lumber and mining endured boom and bust times in many of these towns, making for a rich tapestry of history and a treasure trove of memories. Now, ambitious marina development projects are emerging as old power plants and factories are torn down, making way for bustling new waterfronts.
A multitude of attractions and festivals — such as Grand Haven Musical Fountain, the Coast Guard Festival, Silver Lake’s dune buggy rides or floating down the Pere Marquette or Platte Rivers on a lazy summer afternoon — are just a few of the reasons to visit. In addition, many marina and port facilities offer stopover opportunities, because Michigan is known not only for its recent College Football National Championship, but also for local blueberries, apples, cherries and grapes grown in sandy soil during warm days and cool summer nights.
When you explore this coastline, remember to keep up to date on the latest charts and harbor information. Lake bottoms are primarily sand and silt that are constantly shifting, even as water levels rise and fall. Plus, when you reach the northern islands, mosquitos and black flies can intercept your boat, covering it in the middle of the lake. The rewards far outweigh the challenges as you explore the following harbor towns.
Highlighted by its state park beach and a very walkable lighthouse pier, downtown is just a quick pop away to check out Harbor Light Brewery. The beer, local music and hospitality are second to none. Insider tip: Try the peach cider. The Black River Tavern is right up the street, too. Michigan Maritime Museum welcomes young and old alike, shows what it was like to book passage on a 19th century passenger steamer, tells about Lake Michigan’s “Bermuda Triangle” and examines the wonders of the region with artifacts, displays and boating experiences.
The $3.7 million dollar Heritage Center sits on the banks of the Black River across the Dykman Drawbridge and across the street from Gull Lake Marine Storage. The Marialyce Canonie Great Lakes Research Library is in the historic Lightkeeper’s House and focuses on the maritime history in the Great Lakes and Michigan from the prehistoric period to the present.
Where to Dock: South Haven Municipal Marina North and Woodland Harbor Marina
On your way north take a quick pit stop in Saugatuck, especially if you’re antique shopping. As you enter Holland, the big red lighthouse hovers like a monolith over the channel entrance into Lake Macatawa, or “black water,” according to indigenous Ottawa legend.
Choosing between the local beaches along the shore comes down to the critical choice of ice cream, music or your favorite brew pub. New Holland Brewing Co. on Eighth Street is known for its famous Dragon’s Milk Stout, which is brewed in bourbon barrels, and their addictive pizza pinwheels. And you can’t go wrong with a stop at the Boatwerks Restaurant.
Holland’s waterfront could soon be home to a hotel, marina, cruise ship docks, restaurants, and additional homes with private and visitor slips in a unique land swap. “The Marina project here is about community vision, public involvement and engagement on work projects. It is about developing a world class downtown that didn’t have a connection to the waterfront,” said City Manager Keith Van Beek. Chris-Craft built beautiful boats here for years, and now Tiara Yachts has continued the boat-building tradition in Holland.
Where to Dock: Yacht Basin Marina and Ottawa Beach Marina
Looking for waves? Keep heading north to Pere Marquette State Park in Muskegon where the surf rolls in untethered, and always a crowd and good music convene at the deck. If rollercoasters are your speed, Michigan’s Great Adventure is a few minutes away, and though it isn’t quite like Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH, you find enough thrills to get your adrenaline flowing and heart pumping.
Lake Michigan Express ferry from Muskegon to Milwaukee has replaced the old Milwaukee Clipper, which is still parked on Lake Muskegon waiting for restoration papers to breathe life back into its historic decks.
This region is about the future as well as major marina developments that are either in the works or on their way, such as Adelaide Pointe on Lake Muskegon. Local food and fun happen at The Deck at Pere Marquette Beach plus Ghezzi’s Deli & Market.
Just north is Ludington and the coal-fired SS Badger boat that takes you across the lake in Titanic style! It has a fresh coat of paint, making the legendary car ferry freighter look as new as it was when launched in 1953. It makes daily round trips to Manitowoc, WI, and on the four-hour voyage, be sure to play Badger Bingo.
Where to Dock: Safe Habor Great Lakes and Hartshorn Marina
The base of Grand Traverse Bay is “traversed” by Mission Point Peninsula, which separates the East and West Bays. Its rolling hills and cherry orchards lend credentials that it is the Cherry Capital of the World.
The Cherry Festival anchors the start of July with an array of international musical groups and bands, with the highlight being the Blue Angels flying in and out of town at supersonic speeds.
Traverse City has an idyllic shopping and restaurant district just footsteps from local marinas. Foodie favorites include the Apache Trout Grill and Blue Tractor Barbeque.
Where to Dock: Elmwood Marina and Duncan L. Clinch Marina
Take a stroll through “Fishtown” and walk along docks lined with weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, racks of drying fishing nets, and fish tugs on the Leland (Carp) River. It’s easy to imagine what it was like in the early 1900s to live and work in this small fishing village. Back then, many of the boats were small, built of oak and carried primitive gas power.
Today, Fishtown still operates as one of the only working commercial fishing villages in Michigan. Many shanties now house delightful gift and clothing boutiques, art galleries, and specialty food shops. Summer bustles with activity, and during colder seasons, the docks become quiet and tranquil.
For restaurants, try Bluebird or The Cove. Wineries are expanding rapidly in Leelanau County offering the character, landscape and charm of the best that Napa and Sonoma Counties offer. The whole region is embraced by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park & Lakeshore with North and South Manitou Islands just over the horizon.
The park covers a 35-mile-long stretch of Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline with Point Betsie Lighthouse on Sleeping Bear’s “front door” and located at the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage where the Race to Mackinac sailing fleet cuts through on their way north.
Where to Dock: Leland Township Marina
Just past the dunes lies the twin port towns of Petoskey and Harbor Springs on Little Traverse Bay. Petoskey features its famous stone (a combo of rock and a fossil, often pebble-shaped and composed of a fossilized rugose coral) that you can still find on the beach! And the Gaslight Village downtown shopping district is full of fun and fudge.
Stafford’s Perry Hotel is a must, as is near Bayview and its historic summer residences that once included the home of Ernest Hemingway. Harbor Springs is the closest copy of Bar Harbor you’ll discover on the Great Lakes. Many of its cottages seem transported in time from East Coast counterparts. Highlights include the annual Ugotta Regatta, Stafford’s Pier Restaurant and Legs Inn, known for its Polish cuisine and totem poles up the “tunnel of trees” on Highway 22.
Where to Dock: Harbor Springs Municipal Marina and Irish Boat Shop
While the job market is not always an easy world to navigate, marine trades associations across the coast work diligently to offer resources and promote a growing industry.
The New England region boasts leading organizations such as the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA), who hosted the 19th annual Business of Boating Conference (BOB) in Foxboro, MA, this past January. The event featured award ceremonies and sessions on workforce development, Al marketing tips and tools, boating safety updates, employment law, technological advancements within the industry, government relations, legislative issues, and more.
“Finding employees remains a complex issue within the recreational boating industry,” says Randall Lyons, executive director of MMTA. “Starting with regional and state associations and collaborating with national associations remains critical to finding a long-term solution to this issue. This collaboration allows for support and interaction with member businesses, schools, job seekers, employees and more.”
According to a 2024 U.S. Marine Economy Report from NOAA, tourism and recreation landed as the leading job industry along the Atlantic coast with 66% employment rate in the Northeast and 65% in the Mid-Atlantic, while marine construction reported one of the lowest rates at only 1% in both regions. Even though the regions boasted an overall 13-14% increase in marine jobs from prior years, trades associations continue to support the industry by providing resources, scholarship and certification opportunities, and local advocacy.
One of the main sessions of the BOB Conference focused on supporting an increased pipeline of trained individuals within the state and ensuring businesses support MMTA’s partner schools that continue to expand training programs.
“Associations represent businesses, and businesses represent boaters; the more we can do together, the easier this issue will be to resolve,” says Lyons.
MMTA’s website offers everything from boating safety resources, products, services, news updates and event info to job postings and announcements. The Massachusetts Marine Trades Educational Trust, MMTA’s non-profit foundation, provides an active job board, scholarship opportunities, schools and training programs, and a detailed Massachusetts Boating Industry 101 document. Lyons says one of the most successful programs has been the “Tools of the Trade” benefit where MMTA provides a gift card for tools to a marine employee in need of building their toolbox.
In Newport, RI, the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association (RIMTA) also champions the local marine industry through education, advocacy and environmental stewardship. RIMTA is working in partnership with the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) to revamp their resources and develop a new marine trades website.
Down on the Chesapeake Bay, organizations such as the Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM) also offer resources and support industry advocacy. MTAM’s non-profit based out of Annapolis, MD, is dedicated to growing the recreational boating industry and a sustainable workforce for the trades and preservation of Maryland waters.
The MTAM job board stays up to date with publicly accessible listings, and members are represented on marine trades issues before the Maryland legislature and state and federal agencies. Benefits include access to exclusive discounts, resources and opportunities for hands-on training at the Annapolis School of Seamanship and certifications through the American Boat & Yacht Council.
The benefits of a trade job provide endless resources for certifications, on-the-job training and first-hand workforce development. Take advantage of scholarship programs, networking events and opportunities for lifelong careers.
MMTA, a Marinalife partner, sends a thank you to all attendees and presenters who participated in this year’s BOB conference, as well as a special thanks to the sponsors. Download the full list of sponsors below.
The annual Association of Marina Industries (AMI) Conference & Expo recently took place this January at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The three-day event hosted seminars, workshops, receptions and exhibits geared towards marina owners, operators, and industry professionals.
As 2025 officially marks 25 years of Marinalife, the crew kicked off the milestone celebrations at this year’s AMI event by hosting a champagne toast to honor the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards winners. In addition to presenting awards, Marinalife founder Joy McPeters gave a special thanks to long-time partners and members who have contributed over the years.
The all-new Readers’ Choice Awards contest honors the best in class highlighting categories that define what makes a perfect marina destination. Nationwide boaters voted for favorites ranging in everything from best hidden gem, dry storage, boatyard, amenities, dockside bar, entertainment, friendliest staff and most pet-friendly facility to best marina overall.
Marinalife was honored to raise a toast and present awards to the following winners in attendance:
Best Marina Overall winner recipient:
Michael Torras and Daren Pietsch, Brunswick Landing Marina — Brunswick, GA
Best Dry Storage Marina winner recipient:
Shane Strause, Waterways Marina — Richmond Hill, GA
Best Dockside Bar winner recipient:
Nicholas Mastroianni III, Tiki 52 at Blowing Rocks Marina — Tequesta, FL
Most Pet-Friendly Marina winner recipient:
Christina Martin, Nantucket Boat Basin — Nantucket, MA
Stay tuned for the magazine’s 25th anniversary special edition issue publishing this March featuring the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards winners and articles commemorating the industry over the past 25 years. View all category winners here.
As Marinalife celebrates 25 years of serving the boating community, we are thrilled to announce the winners of the Readers’ Choice Awards, sponsored by Sea Tow, honoring marinas, destinations, and individuals who go above and beyond to create exceptional boating experiences. From hidden gems to luxury amenities, these winners reflect the heart and soul of our vibrant boating community.
A boater’s haven located along Georgia’s Golden Isles, Brunswick Landing Marina boasts 445+ wet and dry slips, unlimited free laundry, and a reputation for its lively community spirit. With free happy hour socials and yoga classes, it’s no wonder this marina has captured the hearts of boaters nationwide.
“We are absolutely ecstatic to be named the first-place marina for the third consecutive year,” says manager Michael Torras. “This ongoing success is a testament to the incredible team we’ve built at Brunswick Landing Marina and the unwavering support of our loyal customers, who inspire us year after year.”
Nestled in Hilton Head Island, this South Carolina gem offers 178 slips, stunning waterfront views along a lively promenade, award-winning dining and a vibrant calendar of events. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
“We’re so grateful to our guests for their support and proud to represent such a special place on the map of premier marina destinations,” says dockmaster Mason Lemon.
Tiki 52 at Blowing Rocks Marina
(Tequesta, FL)
With refreshing cocktails and stunning views, Tiki 52 is the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the water.
(Nantucket, MA)
Four-legged friends are treated like VIPs at this marina, which offers a “Woof Welcome” and pet-friendly amenities.
(Chestertown, MD)
Famous for its lively summer concerts and laid-back beach vibes, Tolchester Marina is the go-to spot for boaters seeking fun and relaxation.
Robbie Smith at Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina
Robbie’s warm welcome and dedication to service have made him a standout favorite among boaters visiting this iconic Bahamas resort.
This year’s awards are extra special as Marinalife celebrates its 25th anniversary of providing tools, resources, and inspiration to the boating community. From connecting boaters with the best marinas to sharing unforgettable destinations, Marinalife is proud to serve as the trusted companion for your adventures on the water.
For more information about the Readers’ Choice Awards and Marinalife, visit www.marinalife.com.
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